Consultants could be brought in by the end of the month to help Lichfield District Council find a way forward for land earmarked for the failed Friarsgate scheme.
The figure was revealed in a report to a forthcoming meeting of the economic growth, environment and development overview and scrutiny committee.
The Friarsgate redevelopment bit the dust after more than a decade in the planning, leaving chunks of city centre land lying empty.
A working group for the scheme – now renamed as the Birmingham Road Site – created a draft brief for consultants, which was subsequently accepted by the council.
Although 42 organisations submitted an initial interest in carrying out the consultancy work, 17 tenders were eventually received.
The report by Cllr Iain Eddie to the overview and scrutiny committee explained: “Officers are now appraising the detailed submissions against set criteria.
“This will produce either an outright winner or a shortlist from which a consultant can be chosen.
“This appraisal work will be completed shortly and it is hoped to be able to confirm an appointment by the end of June.”
The eventual consultants will be asked to address three key issues to help inform the future of the Birmingham Road Site:
- What a future re-developed Lichfield City Centre could look like having regard to its current offer and the types of city centre uses which would serve best the residents of and visitors to Lichfield.
- The affordability of the above – what new uses of land and property would be appropriate and be attractive to the market?
- What options would there be for delivering new development including the District Council as a land and property owner but also working with other potential local government and private sector organisations?
The successful consultants are expected to deliver their conclusions by the end of the year.
Cllr Eadie’s report will be discussed at the overview and scrutiny committee meeting on Thursday (20th June).
