Two major projects in Lichfield District have been shortlisted in the prestigious RTPI West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.
Angel Croft and the new Lichfield Leisure Centre have both been recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), which celebrates outstanding planning and development projects across the region.
Angel Croft, delivered by Friel Homes, has been shortlisted in the category of Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture following the redevelopment of the former Angel Croft Hotel site on Beacon Street.
The scheme has transformed a long-vacant and prominent gateway site into a high-quality residential development, helping preserve and enhance an important part of Lichfield’s historic city centre while bringing the site back into active use.
Meanwhile, the brand-new Lichfield Leisure Centre, delivered with ReCreation, has been shortlisted in the category of Excellence in Planning for Wellbeing and Education following the delivery of the state-of-the-art facility, which opened earlier this year and provides modern health, fitness and wellbeing facilities for residents across the district.
Councillor Andy Smith, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Major Projects at Lichfield District Council, said:
“It is fantastic to see two projects in Lichfield District recognised through these regional awards.
“Both developments show how thoughtful planning and investment can make a real difference to our communities - whether that’s bringing an important historic site back into use or delivering modern leisure facilities that support residents’ health and wellbeing for years to come.
“We are proud to see both projects shortlisted and wish everyone involved the very best of luck at the awards ceremony.”
Gary Jones, Lead Architect at Friel Homes said:
“We are delighted that the Angel Croft has been shortlisted for an RTPI Excellence Award. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work the Friel Homes team has invested in both the restoration of this building and the wider development at 1 Beacon Street.
“Working in collaboration with Lichfield District Council, local stakeholders and the wider project team, we are delivering high-quality new homes while breathing new life into an important heritage site located within the heart of Lichfield’s Conservation Area.
"A particularly rewarding aspect of the project has been the renovation of several historic buildings that had fallen into disrepair, helping to safeguard their character and secure their future for generations to come.
"We are extremely proud to see the development recognised in this way.”
Adrian Turner, on behalf of ReCreation, said:
“We are incredibly proud to see Lichfield Leisure Centre shortlisted for this award. From the outset, this project has been about creating a modern, inclusive and sustainable community facility that gives local people of all ages the opportunity to be active, learn new skills and improve their wellbeing.
“Working in partnership with Lichfield District Council and the wider project team, we have helped deliver a centre that is not only high quality and affordable, but one that will make a lasting difference to the district for many years to come.
“This recognition is a tribute to the shared vision, collaboration and commitment of everyone involved.”
The winners of the RTPI West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday 23 July.