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# Councillors approve £5.3million plan to convert empty Lichfield shop into new cinema
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/councillors-approve-5-3million-plan-to-convert-empty-lichfield-shop-into-new-cinema/
- Published: 2022-10-20T17:03:08.000Z
- Updated: 2022-10-20T17:03:18.000Z
- Description: Councillors have approved plans to invest more than £5.3million into a new cinema development in an empty Lichfield shop.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:07, News

Councillors have approved plans to invest more than £5.3million into a new cinema development in an empty Lichfield shop.

Members of Lichfield District Council approved the project, which will see the local authority form a joint venture with Three Spires Shopping Centre owner Evolve Estates at a meeting this evening (20th October).

The move will allow the former Debenhams store become a four-screen cinema, each seating between 48 and 120 people.

The development – which is expected to begin before the end of the year – will also see five food and beverage units created. 

The local authority says talks with a successful “boutique cinema operator” which will fund the fit out of the cinema aspect are “progressing”.

Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said:

> “I am thrilled that council members have backed funding a cinema for the district.   
>  
> “After several failed attempts in previous years we now have all the elements in place to deliver it – a development partner in Evolve, a cinema operator, council backing and the necessary funding.   
>  
> “We are excited about this scheme because in addition to providing a facility that residents have called for over many years, a cinema will boost the economy in the city centre and serve as a keystone feature in the redevelopment of the Birmingham Road site.  
>  
> “We are very much looking forward seeing the development starting in just a few weeks as we continue to drive forward the further improvements to our city centre, making it an even better place to live, work and play.”   
>  
> Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council

The cinema will be the first phase of development being planned by the council and Evolve Estates.

A second stage would see work take place on the link through to the other elements of the Birmingham Road site – previously earmarked for the failed Friarsgate scheme – such as offices, a replacement for the multi-storey car park and additional food and beverage outlets.

Phil Murphy, head of asset management for Evolve Estates, said:

> “Having full council approval is a fantastic endorsement for what will be an exciting new leisure destination at the Three Spires in Lichfield.  
>  
> “We are on course to submit the full planning application later this year and look forward to starting on delivering a dedicated cinema, as well as further complimentary leisure space for the city, in 2023.”  
>  
> Phil Murphy, Evolve Estates