The leader of Lichfield District Council says a new plan to replace Friarsgate in Lichfield will involve consultation with residents and businesses.
The demise of the long-awaited redevelopment was confirmed at a meeting of the local authority last night (June 26).
The decision to hold the discussion on Friarsgate behind closed doors has still left a number of questions, including what will happen to the areas previously earmarked for the project.
But in a response to a question in the public section of the meeting, Cllr Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council, insisted a Plan B would emerge.
“If Friarsgate does not happen, the council plans to carry out consultation on future plans for the site and will involve local people and businesses in determining the most appropriate use for the site.”
It has already been revealed that despite not going ahead with the redevelopment, the council is still facing a bill of almost £7million in costs associated with the project over more than a decade.
Cllr Sue Woodward, leader of the Labour opposition group said the numbers – which show around the failed project has cost at around £500,000 for each year it has been planned – would not sit easy with residents.
“At a time when the council has imposed severe cuts and introduced charges for services, this is not acceptable,” she said. “Take the brown bin tax, which has been introduced to save around £300,000 a year, yet more has been spent on an aborted project.
“It is a clear lack of leadership.”
