A NEW programme is being rolled out in a bid to improve the appearance of shopfronts across Lichfield city centre.
A design code will be rolled out for future improvements to ensure they “respect and enhance” the historic character of the area.
There will also be a new Heritage Shopfront Grant Scheme to provide financial support to help independent traders enhance the appearance and accessibility of their premises.
Lichfield District Council said it would focus on areas within the city centre conservation area, including Market Square, Bird Street, Market Street, Tamworth Street and Sandford Street.
The programme will include restoring traditional timber shopfronts, reinstating historic architectural features, installing heritage-approved signage and lighting and removing modern alterations.
Cllr Richard Holland, cabinet member for high street and economic development, said:
“Lichfield’s historic streets are a huge part of what makes our city so special – and they are something residents are rightly proud of.
“This scheme is about celebrating that heritage while supporting our local businesses to thrive.
“By providing clear guidance and practical financial support, we’re making it easier for traders to enhance their shopfronts in a way that respects the character of our historic centre.
“A more attractive and welcoming high street benefits everyone – from businesses and residents to visitors who come to enjoy everything Lichfield has to offer.”
Participation in the grant scheme will be voluntary, with the council working with property owners and businesses to align proposed improvements with the new design guidance.
To view the design code and give your views visit the Heritage Shopfront Design Code and Grant Scheme webpage.
Businesses and property owners who would like to learn more or express an early interest in the scheme can do so online.
Will be nice to see the mini mart shop brought inline with the new code ? It looks so tacky.
The rot set in when the incumbent Council allowed MacDonald’s to move onto the Market Square with that horrible frontage- anyone remember that?
Used to be like that before they demolished the the shops to build the precinct.
Now going full circle in my lifetime
Can’t waits to gets my vapes from someplace boujee
This is good and welcome news as Lichfield deserves it’s heritage to be celebrated. Other historic towns and cities can manage it so why can’t Lichfield?!
However, I can’t help but see the hypocrisy in this when a consultation is due to open on the hideous building that is earmarked for the Tempest ford site. It is nothing like the original concept with it now being uglier and at least two stories taller. The historic value and sense of place that buildings like St Johns hospital add to Lichfield will be totally eclipsed. No doubt money is talking.
Why can’t we learn from past mistakes. Take the carpark behind B&M and the building that is B&M! It needs to be demolished, opened up with a new tree lined pedestrian walkway through the car park to link up with the pool. Evening visitors can enjoy better connectivity to restaurants instead of walking past the bins behind The George hotel!
The B&M shop could do with a facelift, or maybe knocking down ! A relic of a building from the 60’s , although it was a great shop when it was Woolworths in the 70’s, when I were a lad.
Could take a leaf out of Leamington Spa’s look and feel
@ Local Lad – it’s okay, it’ll probably be closed down like the other ones soon enough.
Thought for a good while that the front of Claires looked tatty so wasnt suprised when it had the closing down sign in the window
This will never get off the ground? more chance the cinema will open first!