Work to start on Lichfield’s highly anticipated cinema plaza this month
Lichfield’s Birmingham Road multi storey car park is closing at the end of May to make way for redevelopment of the area into an exciting new cinema plaza.
The Multi-Story car park is now closed to make way for the new cinema plaza.
The demolition of the car park is the first visible sign of work taking place on the groundbreaking scheme which has already secured prestigious cinema operator Everyman as a confirmed tenant for the former Debenhams building.
The car park demolition, and subsequent landscaping, will be conducted by specialist contractor Cawarden over a 26-week programme commencing on Tuesday 28 May (the car park will close at midnight on Monday May 27). This, together with the demolition of four units at the top of Three Spires shopping centre will create access for work to start on building a vibrant, open-air public space in front of the cinema.
While the area is developed the former multi storey car park site will be used as a space for temporary activities, hosting one-off and pop-up retail and food events. Priority will be given to local start-ups and businesses to support hard-working entrepreneurs from across the district.
Operational for more than 50 years, Birmingham Road Car Park has undergone extensive repairs and maintenance to extend its lifespan. However, user monitoring data collated last June revealed that the car park is underutilised and had operated at an average of only 26 per cent over the preceding 12 months.
Lichfield city centre offers numerous alternative car parks, both short and long stay, and Lichfield District Council will be promoting quick links to the nearest car parks over the duration of the build, including those operated by the Three Spires shopping centre, so that drivers can easily find somewhere to park their vehicles.
A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council, said:
“I am very excited that the plans to redevelop this part of the city centre are now being put into action, and we have visible evidence of progress with the demolition of the multi storey car park. Cawarden, our demolition contractors will be installing hoardings around the site to keep the space safe and tidy and will be installing peep holes for you, your children and even your dog to look through and see the work taking place.”
“Removing this structure will allow us to transform the area, creating a vibrant hub for leisure activities to be enjoyed by the district’s residents and visitors alike.”
Residents can find the latest information on the development on the Lichfield District Council website which will be regularly updated over the duration of the building work.