An artist's impression of the new-look City Arcade. Pic: Pergola

Moves to revitalise a shopping arcade in Lichfield city centre have been unveiled.

Developers hope to carry out a range of improvements on City Arcade, which connects Bore Street and Market Street.

An artist's impression of the new-look City Arcade. Pic: Pergola
An artist’s impression of the new-look City Arcade

A number of its units are currently empty, but moves to expand the site and improve its connection with surrounding buildings is being proposed.

This would see the new shopfronts introduced along with improvements to the upper floors. New look frontages to the arcade are aiming to integrate better with other nearby buildings.

Empty shops at City Arcade
Empty shops at City Arcade

A statement from the developers said: “The proposal represents a genuine opportunity for an investment into a building and area cloearly recognised by all as in need of a facelift.

“The completed scheme would also see greater variety of retail outlets and would draw visitors further up both streets.

“At present, City Arcade is not only a building of little architectural merit, but it is also a poor location for retailers due to the unappealing mall, concourse, facade and lack of investment.

“This proposal would drastically change that, providing a high quality and modern town centre shopping mall that is so desirable in the UK currently.”

The developers added that a number of existing occupied retail units at either end of City Arcade would remain open if work went ahead.

Full details of the proposals can be seen on Lichfield District Council’s planning website.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Thornton
7 years ago

Either leave it as it is or create ‘Room to Inspire’ style shop fronts. ‘Room to Inspire’ should be a level which all Lichfield shops should aspire to. Keep within the ‘look and feel’ of brand Lichfield.

Toast
7 years ago

Great to see investment in the local retail environment. The City Arcade has needed a facelift for too long now, so it’s excellent to see it’s going to be done right.

The Scribbler
7 years ago

I disagree with Thornton.
My favourite shop front for brand Lichfield would be Tudor Tea Rooms. Everything should be like it, even M&S, Debenhams, Mountain Warehouse and Viking E-Cigs, all the hairdressers and charity shops.
Imagine if everything was like Tudor Tea Rooms. Go on, imagine it.

Thornton
7 years ago

Yes that would be good but we dont have many buildings like that in Lichfield. A traditional shop front like you see in all the circa 1900 Lichfield postcards would suit very well. Bath managed to keep their new shopping centre in keeping with its surroundings so why can’t Lichfield?

Mat
7 years ago

If they are private business, then let them do as they want to. Don’t let the state dictate what should happen.

Thornton
7 years ago

Also, any development of the arcade should see the incredible piece of 60’s artwork reinstated above the entrance.