DLA appointed to support creation of Lichfield city centre master plan

Lichfield District Council has appointed David Lock Associates to help drive forward the creation of a new master plan for Lichfield city centre.

The new master plan will be created with the views of local residents, local businesses, local partners and more, and will ensure that Lichfield city meets the needs of its growing and changing population in years to come.

Iain Eadie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Investment, Economic Growth & Tourism, said: “We were very impressed with David Lock Associates’ creative and inclusive approach to public and stakeholder consultation, which is a vital element of creating the new master plan.
“The new plan, which will include proposals for the future of the Birmingham Road Site and its interaction with the overall city centre, is essential if we are to develop Lichfield city positively for future generations.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the team as they continue our work to gather local views and ideas. I am also excited to see those ideas start to take shape in the form of draft plans that will be tested with local people to make sure they fit the city’s and local people’s needs.”

David Lock Associates, supported by Integrated Transport Planning and Springboard, were appointed following a competitive tender exercise. Tenders were appraised on a number of key criteria, ranging from the team’s experience in delivering masterplanning exercises, their approach to developing a vision for the city centre, their processes for maintaining quality and the experience and knowledge of team members.

Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “I’m delighted we have appointed David Lock Associates. The team comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience and have helped towns and cities across the country to reimagine and create new and sustainable futures.
“David Lock Associates competed against sixteen other nationally respected companies to be awarded the work. We were particularly impressed with their track record in delivering new master plans for historic UK towns and cities, such as Chichester and Bury St. Edmunds.”

DLA’s Matthew Lappin said: “We were absolutely delighted to take on the commission to develop a master plan supporting a vibrant and sustainable future of Lichfield city centre. The city has huge potential to build on its already enviable assets and become a place where local residents can access the right local services and facilities, where businesses can thrive and grow, and where tourists feel welcomed and want to return. We are looking forward to working with people and businesses across the city to help the council articulate and shape a future plan that is both aspirational and deliverable.”

To keep up to date and find out more about the plans visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/citycentreplan.