The long-term future of several valued community assets across Lichfield District has moved a step closer following decisions made by Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 2 June.
Cabinet approved a series of Community Asset Transfer proposals designed to safeguard important local spaces and facilities for future generations, while enabling community organisations to take a greater role in their long-term stewardship and development.
The decisions form part of the council’s wider Community Asset Transfer approach, introduced in 2025 to help protect assets of social, environmental and community value and support strong, sustainable local organisations.
The largest proposal agreed will see Lichfield City Football Club granted a new 125-year lease for its Brownsfield Park site, securing the club’s long-term future in the city.
Since taking over the site more than a decade ago, the club has transformed the facility into a thriving community sports hub used by more than 1,000 local people every week, supported by hundreds of volunteers and more than £1 million of investment.
Darren Leaver, Chairman of Lichfield City Football Club said:
"Lichfield City FC has worked tirelessly over the last 18 years to develop the football club into something we can all be proud of. Securing this 125-year lease provides a solid foundation for the club's future, allowing us to continue growing and delivering a first-class experience for all current and future members for generations to come.
We would like to thank Lichfield District Council for their continued support and for helping us safeguard an asset that plays such an important role in supporting the Lichfield Community."
Cabinet also approved the transfer of land at Coppy Nook Lane/Hospital Road to Hammerwich Parish Council, helping simplify the long-term management of the recreational site and supporting future improvements for local residents and sports users.
In addition, Cabinet agreed a long-term lease arrangement with the Garrick Theatre, helping secure the future of one of the district’s most important cultural venues.
The agreement will provide the theatre with greater long-term certainty while supporting future investment opportunities and maintaining its role as a community arts venue for local residents.
Daniel Buckroyd, Chief Executive & Artistic Director at Lichfield Garrick Theatre said:
“Lichfield Garrick has been on a transformational journey since management shifted to an independent charity in 2013. Over the last few years, we've invested more than £1million in upgrades to the venue, seen our annual audience increase to over 150,000 and worked with a wide range of community groups to ensure that anyone living in the district can experience the joys of live performance.
“Throughout that period, our partnership with LDC has underpinned the theatre's success and securing a 25-year lease extension now means that we can plan for the next phase of the Garrick's development with confidence, ensuring that the venue continues to be at the heart of Lichfield’s cultural life for the foreseeable future.”
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“Our communities care deeply about these places and the organisations that run them.
“These decisions are about giving trusted local organisations greater confidence and long-term stability so they can continue investing in facilities that make a real difference to residents’ lives.
“Whether that’s grassroots sport, community recreation or arts and culture, these assets play an important role in bringing people together and supporting strong, active communities across our district.”
The council’s Community Asset Transfer policy was introduced in 2025 to help safeguard spaces of social, environmental and community value by enabling local organisations and parish councils to take on a greater role in their long-term stewardship and development.
Further legal and statutory processes linked to the approved transfers will now take place before agreements are formally completed.