More must be done to ease congestion around Lichfield city centre, the authors of a new draft masterplan have claimed.
The document has been drawn up by David Lock Associates as Lichfield District Council looks to find a way forward following the failure of Friarsgate to materialise after more than a decade in the planning.
As well as new leisure options like a cinema, the creation of distinct quarters has also been proposed.
But the draft masterplan also warns of the need to tackle congestion around key parts of the city.
“Congestion on Birmingham Road and St John Street needs to be addressed and the proposed Lichfield Southern Bypass aims to alleviate some of this congestion by removing through trips from the city centre.
“Congestion impacts the experience of car, bus and coach movements through the city, but also the safety of pedestrians and cyclists alighting from Lichfield City train station.”
Draft Lichfield city centre masterplan
The report added that more also needed to be done to spread the pressure caused by cars coming into the city.
“The city centre is well served by a variety of car parks but suffers from a perception that there is a scarcity of parking spaces.
“In fact, information on car park availability and usage across the city centre suggests that overall capacity is good for a city the size of Lichfield, but that the most popular locations such as Bird Street operate over capacity.
“Given that Lichfield has a compact and walkable city centre it will be important to better distribute usage across the various parking facilities and thus reducing the perception of parking scarcity.
“Improved signage to existing car parks can help ensure that all locations are suitably utilised.
“Improvements to coach drop-off and parking locations are required to promote increased group travel.
“In addition, improving signage and wayfinding around the city centre will help people navigate their way around, reinforcing the compact character of the city centre and giving people confidence to explore further whilst at the same time promoting active and sustainable modes of travel.”
Draft Lichfield city centre masterplan
The draft masterplan will be discussed at an overview and scrutiny committee meeting at Lichfield District Council on 17th December.
