The construction of new cinema would be an ideal addition to the city centre, Lichfield’s MP has said.
Lichfield District Council and Evolve Estates – the new owner of Three Spires Shopping Centre – are working on a joint venture that could see a multi-screen facility installed in the former Debenhams store.
If the project could become a reality, it would be the first dedicated cinema in the city since The Regal on Tamworth Street closed its doors in 1974.
Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant said he was keen to see the return of a multi-screen – but added that other locations could also be suitable.
“A cinema for Lichfield is long overdue.
“Our nearest are Tamworth, the Red Carpet at Barton Marina, or Sutton Coldfield.
“Converting the abandoned Debenhams or re-building the council-owned site in Market Street – currently B&M – would be ideal.”
Michael Fabricant
Mr Fabricant said the latter location could form part of an ambitious project.
“Wouldn’t it be great if the Bird Street car park were sunk below ground and the surface made into a garden surrounded by some specialist shops and cafes overlooking Minster Pool and the cathedral?”
Michael Fabricant
Despite the Conservative MP’s suggestions, Lichfield Live understands that work to identify how the former Debenhams store could be reconfigured is already well underway.
Sebastian MacDonald-Hall, director of Evolve Estates, said there had already been “significant” interest from potential operators.
“Lichfield city centre offers an excellent opportunity for the development of a cinema facility, and we are thrilled to be working with the District Council team to investigate ways of making this a reality.
“At Evolve Estates we have extensive experience of both creating city centre venues that people love and attracting operators to take up space and ensuring continued success of the facilities.
“We believe the former Debenhams site offers an excellent location that will complement the city centre and we are already engaging with significant interest from both cinema and food and beverage operators.”
Sebastian MacDonald-Hall, Evolve Estates
