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# Councillors call for building work to begin on “eyesore” site left empty by failed Friarsgate scheme
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/councillors-call-for-building-work-to-begin-on-eyesore-site-left-empty-by-failed-friarsgate-scheme/
- Published: 2021-08-09T07:15:41.000Z
- Updated: 2021-08-09T07:15:49.000Z
- Description: Work needs to take place to deal with an “eyesore” piece of land in Lichfield city centre, two councillors say.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:15, News

Work needs to take place to deal with an “eyesore” piece of land in Lichfield city centre, two councillors say.

![The former Tempest Ford site in Lichfield city centre](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image0-13.jpg)

The former Tempest Ford site in Lichfield city centre

The former Tempest Ford site has been left empty since [the proposed Friarsgate redevelopment collapsed in 2018](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/timeline-reveals-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-friarsgate-redevelopment-in-lichfield/).

Now re-branded as the Birmingham Road site by the local authority, it has been surrounded by hoardings ever since the garage was demolished to make way for the failed scheme.

In a joint statement, Liberal Democrat councillors Paul Ray and Miles Trent say Lichfield District Council must ensure building begins to bring the land back into use.

![Cllr Paul Ray and Cllr Miles Trent in front of one of the hoardings](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image0-12.jpg)

Cllr Paul Ray and Cllr Miles Trent in front of one of the hoardings

> “Things have gone very quiet with this site and there does need to be some progress. It is an eyesore and a wasteland.   
>  
> “We do appreciate that Covid-19 has caused delay, but the council does now need to get on with getting construction started on-site.  
>  
> “The original plans envisaged about 100 town houses and flats on the site and there is very large demand for housing in Lichfield, so let’s get this building started – and as part of the plan to tackle the housing crisis in our area these houses or flats must be affordable.”  
>  
> Cllr Paul Ray and Cllr Miles Trent

Cllr Ray has raised the issue with the Conservative leader of Lichfield District Council, Cllr Doug Pullen, who has arranged a briefing for members on 12th August.

> “I am grateful that this briefing has been arranged and hope that we will be given details of some real progress on the way forward for the site.  
>  
> “I am also asking for a further update on the Debenhams building. It is not owned by the council but the council has an important role here in making things happen.  
>  
> “Myself and Cllr Hugh Ashton have [previously proposed](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/councillors-call-for-former-lichfield-debenhams-store-to-be-converted-into-an-indoor-food-market/) that the building could be used for the benefit of the community.  
>  
> “The ground floor could be sublet to foodstuff traders who wish to maintain a city presence but cannot afford a full shop unit. This would create a kind of indoor market, similar to that seen in many European cities.  
>  
> “This would help cement Lichfield’s already established reputation as a unique shopping centre with a focus on craft and artisan food retail.  
>  
> “The upper floors could also be converted into an ‘incubator space’ for new start-ups.”  
>  
> Cllr Paul Ray