We have approved the next phase of the redevelopment of the former Debenhams building, allowing work to continue on one of the district's most significant regeneration projects.
The decision, made by Full Council on Tuesday evening (14 July), means construction will continue on transforming the vacant building into a new leisure destination featuring an Everyman Cinema alongside complementary food and drink businesses.
As previously reported, councillors approved an additional investment of £5.56 million, comprising £2.84 million associated with completing the redevelopment and £2.72 million to enable the Council to secure full ownership of the completed development.
Securing full ownership will enable the Council to retain 100 per cent of the rental income generated by the completed development, strengthen its asset base and retain greater control over the long-term management of this significant city centre asset.
Construction remains on programme to complete later this year. Following completion, Everyman Cinema and the other occupiers will undertake their fit-out, with the cinema expected to open in 2027.
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
"Tonight, councillors have made their decision on the future of this redevelopment.
"Throughout this project we've committed to being open about both the progress we've made and the challenges we've faced.
"Our focus now is clear. We will complete construction, work with Everyman Cinema and our other occupiers as they prepare to open, and deliver a development that strengthens Lichfield city centre for years to come.
"This building has stood vacant for too long. We now have a clear path forward, and my commitment is that we will see this project through, keep residents updated as construction progresses and ensure this becomes a destination the district can be proud of."
Construction on the redevelopment began in 2024 and has involved extensive demolition, structural alterations, engineering works and the transformation of the former department store into a modern leisure destination. The project is now well advanced, with construction expected to complete later this year before Everyman Cinema and the other occupiers begin their fit-out.
The redevelopment forms part of the Council's wider programme of investment in Lichfield district and is intended to strengthen the city centre economy by increasing footfall, supporting local businesses and improving the district's leisure offer.
Research commissioned by the British Film Institute shows that more than half of cinema-goers also visit restaurants, cafés, bars or shops as part of a cinema trip. As a compact and walkable city centre, Lichfield is ideally placed to maximise those benefits, helping increase footfall, encourage longer visits and support businesses across the city centre.
The Council will continue providing updates as construction progresses over the coming months.