The development of a new cinema in Lichfield could move a step closer next week.
Lichfield District Council’s planning committee will decide on whether to approve a planning application for the scheme.
The works would see a change of use of the former Debenhams building to create a four-screen boutique cinema and commercial units, as well as the demolition of neighbouring shops at 36 to 44 Bakers Lane.
A report has recommended that the project be given the green light.
“The site proposal seeks the partial change of use of an existing building to create a four-screen cinema and commercial units and the associated redevelopment of the surrounding environs to create a new piazza and public realm improvements to include new landscape and pedestrian and visual links to the wider city.
“In order to achieve the wider public realm benefits the scheme involves the demolition of existing retail units in order to create a new pedestrian piazza and pedestrian link with landscaped areas.
“The resulting scheme will bring an existing vacant unit back into active use to complement the existing city centre offerings with complementary facilities which help ensure the vitality and viability of the city centre.”
Planning report
The demolition of the retail units will form part of wider development plans for the city centre which will see the neighbouring multi-storey car park knocked down to create a link through to the Birmingham Road site, which is also earmarked for redevelopment.
Lichfield City Council said it had no objection to the overall scheme, provided the demolition of the existing shops only took place when a date for the wider city centre redevelopment was confirmed.
The planning officer’s report said:
“The development proposal will enhance and diversify the leisure and cultural offer in the city centre and will bring back into use a long term vacant commercial unit to provide a cinema and deliver a net increase of two commercial units to the city centre.
“Additionally, the enhancements to the public realm and delivery of a pedestrian link to the Birmingham Road redevelopment site are supported within the Local Plan strategy, Local Plan allocations, and Lichfield City Neighbourhood Plan. Furthermore, it is acknowledged that the pedestrian link is critical to facilitating the council’s ambition to regenerate the Birmingham Road site.
“These positive aspects to outweigh the loss of the four units along Bakers Lane and change of use of the Debenhams unit to a non-retail use.”
Planning report
The planning committee will decide on the development plans at a meeting on 24th January.
The story of cinema in Lichfield
While the new development may have put the idea of a city cinema back in focus, the history of cinema in Lichfield is nothing new.
Click below to see how the story of Lichfield’s latest big screen plans has evolved from the early days of movies in the city.
It will end up with the council issuing a S114 notice because of this self imposed millstone.
I have no idea what S114 Notice is ?
Another step closer to Never Maybe.
@RFW – Lets have some happiness on here! How grumpy of you. It may well work and be brilliant. Personally I am really looking forward to this cinema, it will be great for Lichfield. Having read some articles on here, I don’t think there is a “millstone”, I don’t think the council; are planning to run the cinema. I think they just take the rent, then if the cinema doesn’t work, rent it out elsewhere?
Why have a cinema when we can watch all the films in the comfort of our homes without it costing a fortune, sitting surrounded by rubbish, and having to use smelly toilets.? Don’t waste our money!
Why do we need more shops and a cinema in lichfield
We do not particularly the cinema the previous one has been shut for decades
@ Michael Knight we are not getting more shops, they are demolishing some to create an open space and the multi storey car park
All that was bringing money in.
We are ending up with the old Debenhams, that Evolve can not rent out.
So I hope it does work out, because we are taking all the liability on
Can we have a separate web page for people who just want to neg about everything?
Strewth.
A S114 notice is when a council becomes insolvent because income does not match expenditure for the year. Quite a few councils have had to issue S114 notices following risky and bad investments in things that they did not understand or have the expertise to run. Energy companies, shopping centres, solar farms etc. It all stems from the David Cameron Localism Act that gave councils the power to do anything a business can do (in the hope they would become more commercial).I would rather be realistic than be hit with years and years of 10% council tax rises because of councillors vanity projects.
@ian Jones, as you say it “may work”, that’s not enough for me when risking tax payers’ money. Recent article on here alluding to the Council running out of money in a couple of years. If it’s commercially viable then let the private sector do it.
Honestly how long is this going to take. It’s unbelievable how slow and incompetent you are. By far the worst planners and council in the country.
Great news, despite what some say on here, small cinemas are enjoying a renaissance and a greater choice of leisure activities is welcomed in our growing community. Really looking forward to this opening and pleased to see the council showing some ambition. Having reviewed the financial commitment here we are nowhere near ‘bankrupt Council’ territory.
Love the little sliding history bar at the bottom of the article. Interesting to see we’ve been here before.
Yes The Red Carpet is the cinema for us too. No matter what LDC cook up eventually the Red Carpet will thrive. It is local family owned [gets all the new films & livestreams] 2 screen cinema & Restaurant business with free parking in beautiful surroundings on Barton Marina
Now the LDC say they have sorted out Lichfield City Centre, could we now see some action on Burntwood Centre!
As usual this cutting edge council is 10 years behind the curve. How many who support this actually visit a cinema? Cost to park , the bother of paying for parking . Last I checked the precinct wasn’t owned by the council and struggles to attract the crowds we had in the 70s and 80s. A couple of cinemas more readily exist just a stones throw and films are usually available in the comfort of your own home within a couple of months. And let’s not forget the exorbitant cost of drinks and snacks in cinemas.
@stevo. Are you able to share a link to the actual costings, financial projections and user numbers for the cinema?
I have searched and been unable to find any figures.
Many thanks.
Notwithstanding the questionably viability of this scheme, what is the definitive date they will be open to the public?
I really wish there was no need to ask this question but Lichfield District Council have a sad (and ongoing) record of demolishing things and doing nothing for years…except council workers free car parks!
Having walked around Central Lichfield yesterday it looks like it has dipped into another recession.
Maybe the old site of the Ford garage and surrounding area could be used for the new sports complex? Would save building on green fields.