Work has started on a new retail park on Eastern Avenue in Lichfield.
The ten-acre site, next to Lichfield City Football Club, was formerly occupied by IMI Norgren. It has been acquired by property company Hortons’ Estate.
The scheme, called Imperial Retail Park, will be anchored by Lidl. The supermarket has acquired a 26,600 sq ft unit at the site, to replace its existing smaller store also on Eastern Avenue.
Costa has also signed a 15-year lease on an 1,800 sq ft drive-thru unit.
A further 42,000 sq ft of space, capable of housing up to four retailers, will be developed speculatively by Hortons.
Fifteen parking spaces have been allocated to neighbouring Lichfield City Football Club, to supplement the existing parking at the sports ground. New traffic lights at the Eastern Avenue/Brownsfield Road junction will be installed.
Speller Metcalfe has been awarded the multi-million pound contract to build the scheme. Groundworks have commenced on site, with completion of the scheme expected by November 2018.
Richard Norgrove, property director at Hortons’ Estate, said: “Interest from potential occupiers has been strong and as a result we have committed to start building.”
Four acres of the site – next to the Lichfield FC sports ground and fronting Brownsfield Road – has outline planning permission for 68 new homes.
Hortons is working with housebuilders regarding the residential land. Wright Silverwood is promoting the retail space.
Lichfield District Council has worked closely with Hortons in bringing the site forward.
Richard King, director of Place & Community at Lichfield District Council, said: “Having worked closely with the developer, we’re pleased to see work starting on site that will bring a significant new retail offer to the area as well as much needed housing.”