A company has been appointed to help shape the future of Lichfield city centre after the failure of the Friarsgate redevelopment.
A master plan will be drawn up by Milton Keynes-based David Lock Associates.
It comes in the wake of the failed Friarsgate city centre redevelopment project which bit the dust after more than a decade of planning.
Cllr Iain Eadie, deputy leader of Lichfield District Council and Cabinet member for investment, economic growth and tourism, said he was confident that the town planning firm will deliver at robust proposal.
“We were very impressed with David Lock Associates’ creative and inclusive approach to public and stakeholder consultation, which is a vital element of creating the new masterplan,” he said.
“The new plan, which will include proposals for the future of the Birmingham Road Site and its interaction with the overall city centre, is essential if we are to develop Lichfield city positively for future generations.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the team as they continue our work to gather local views and ideas.
“I am also excited to see those ideas start to take shape in the form of draft plans that will be tested with local people to make sure they fit the city’s and local people’s needs.”
“New and sustainable futures”
Tenders for the contract were appraised on criteria including experience, approach and processes for maintaining quality.
Sources close to the council have told Lichfield Live that local town planning experts were beaten to the contract during the bidding process.
Cllr Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “I’m delighted we have appointed David Lock Associates.
“The team comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and have helped towns and cities across the country to reimagine and create new and sustainable futures.
“David Lock Associates competed against 16 other nationally-respected companies to be awarded the work.
“We were particularly impressed with their track record in delivering new master plans for historic UK towns and cities, such as Chichester and Bury St Edmunds.”
Residents can follow the progress of the work on the local authority’s website.
Cllr Eadie added: “We are now working closely with the team at David Lock to confirm the timeline for the development of the master plan and we look forward to work taking place over the summer months.”
