Lichfield Debenhams regeneration set for £5.6m funding boost

Plans to transform the former Debenhams building in Lichfield into a new leisure destination are set to receive a further £5.56 million investment as councillors prepare to vote on proposals next week.

The additional funding would support the completion of the redevelopment and enable Lichfield District Council to secure full ownership of the landmark city centre scheme.

The proposed investment includes £2.84 million to complete the construction works and a further £2.72 million to acquire full ownership of the finished development. If approved, the Council would retain 100% of the rental income generated by the completed asset while taking full control of its future management.

The redevelopment will deliver a new Everyman Cinema alongside a range of hospitality venues, bringing a long-vacant retail building back into active use as part of the Council’s wider city centre regeneration programme.

Construction remains on schedule for completion later this year, with tenants expected to begin their fit-out shortly afterwards. The Everyman Cinema is currently expected to open in spring 2027.

The project represents one of the district’s largest regeneration schemes and reflects the growing trend of repurposing vacant department stores into mixed-use leisure destinations, helping to revitalise high streets and support local economies.