COUNCIL chiefs say the decision has been taken to change the main contractor working on the development of Lichfield’s new cinema.
The former Debenhams site in the Three Spires Shopping Centre is being transformed to create a new Everyman cinema outlet as part of a joint venture involving Lichfield District Council and Evolve Estates.
But it has now emerged that the decision has been taken to change the main contractor.
The news has led to calls from opposition Labour group leader Cllr Sue Woodward for clarity on what any delays might mean for the wider city centre redevelopment project.
She said:
“The operational matters of the joint venture partnership, set up by Lichfield District Council, are up to them to sort out, but I’m calling on the leader and chief executive to come clean about the impacts of the decision and explain to the council and our taxpayers.
“There has been a flurry of concerns nationally around both Everyman and The Botanist and this latest issue can only add to the uncertainty about whether the project can and will be delivered on time, if at all.
“I do hope we can have assurances that this doesn’t turn into another Friarsgate fiasco.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said that while the main contractor would be changing, the overall delivery of the project remained firmly on track.
He said:
“The cinema development is being managed through a joint venture partnership. An operational decision was taken this week by the joint venture board in relation to the main contractor.
“Subcontractors remain on site and work is continuing and there has been no change in the commitment from our development partners or future tenants.
“We look forward to welcoming Everyman to Lichfield as part of this important city centre regeneration project.”
