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# Deal could see former Debenhams store in Lichfield converted into a cinema
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/deal-could-see-ex-debenhams-store-in-lichfield-converted-into-a-cinema/
- Published: 2022-05-27T09:53:52.000Z
- Updated: 2022-05-27T09:57:42.000Z
- Description: The former Debenhams store in Lichfield could be converted into a cinema after a deal was struck on the future of the site.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:11, News

The former Debenhams store in Lichfield could be converted into a cinema after a deal was struck on the future of the site.

Lichfield District Council and Evolve Estates – the new owners of the Three Spires Shopping Centre – have agreed to embark on a joint venture to convert the Baker’s Lane unit.

The building – which has been empty [since Debenhams closed in May 2021](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/date-confirmed-for-closure-of-lichfield-debenhams-store/) – had previously been home to TJ Hughes.

But the agreement could see it eventually reopen as a multi-screen cinema.

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

> “We are excited about the prospect of working with Evolve to understand the potential for the development of a cinema in the Three Spires Shopping Centre.  
>  
> “It would be fantastic to have a cinema in the centre of Lichfield to further enhance our leisure and entertainment offering.  
>  
> “It would undoubtedly attract more people into the city centre in the daytime, evenings and weekends which is great for the future prosperity of retail and hospitality businesses.”  
>  
> Lichfield District Council

The development of a new cinema has long been on the agenda for Lichfield city centre, with the facility being [earmarked as a key part of the failed Friarsgate redevelopment](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/operator-of-new-seven-screen-cinema-at-friarsgate-in-lichfield-is-unveiled/).

The conversion of the Debenhams store would open up more opportunities for the local authority as part of the Birmingham Road site project.

A cinema had been a part of the plans for a mixed-use redevelopment of the land currently occupied by the multi-storey car park, bus station, former police station and one-time Tempest Ford site.

Cllr Pullen said he hoped the agreement would accelerate plans to develop a city centre cinema.

> “Both Lichfield District Council and Evolve Estates are committed to considering the options for making the cinema a reality.  
>  
> “We want to do this quickly and hope to have completed the considerations by the end of the summer.  
>  
> “Many people have called for a cinema in the city and the former Debenhams premises could prove to be a most suitable and successful location.”  
>  
> Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council

Lichfield’s last city centre cinema – The Regal on Tamworth Street – closed its doors in July 1974 with a screening of Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss.

At one stage, a local group had [sought to develop plans to restore the site](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/groups-plan-to-restore-lichfields-regal-cinema-could-cost-3million/) so films could be shown once more, but the building, which originally opened in 1932, has since been [converted into retirement apartments](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/work-on-5m-project-to-convert-former-lichfield-cinema-into-apartments-is-completed/) after a spell as a nightclub and supermarket.