Work begins on Lichfield retail park

WORK has begun to build a new retail park in Lichfield on redundant industrial land.

Developers Cranford and Bride Hall started onsite this week to clear the former homes of Lichfield District Council's waste and recycling depot and the old Martin and Field Factory, off Eastern Avenue.

They aim to have the city's new 58,000 square foot Lichfield Retail Park completed towards the end of 2010.

"It is always rewarding when building work starts on site, particularly when we are regenerating redundant brownfield sites such as this one," said Robert Oakley, director of Cranford Developments.

"Lichfield Retail Park will offer local people a fantastic range of new shops, and I am sure it will be very popular with locals and visitors to Lichfield."

When finished, the retail park will be home to a variety of stores including Wickes, Halfords, Carpetright, Pets At Home and SleepMaster.

Nigel Desmond, managing director of Bride Hall, added: "We are very pleased to be investing in Lichfield and are confident that the shopping park will prove to be a great success."

This week, Lichfield District Council welcomed the start of the work.

"We're delighted that, despite the current financial climate, Lichfield continues to attract big-name stores," said Councillor David Smith, leader of Lichfield District Council.

"This development is great news for the district, creating more jobs and opportunities for local shoppers to stock up on a large range of items without having to travel out of the district."

For more information residents should contact Cranford on 01902 623838 or Bride Hall on 0207 493 3996.