Despite the withdrawal of Advantage West Midlands funding and a national
slow-down in the commercial property market, Michael Fabricant has been
reassured by Lichfield District Council that the Friarsgate development
is still on course.

Michael Fabricant says: "I am delighted and relieved to hear that the
Friarsgate development will still be going full steam ahead. Lichfield
has been crying out for additional shopping facilities, extra hotel
rooms, and a decent cinema for some time.

"It is important, however, that the finish and design of the Friarsgate
centre are not in sharp contrast to the historic nature of our Cathedral
City. I have seen developments outside Lichfield which are in keeping
with their historic towns and cities and I will continue to liaise with
the Leader of Lichfield District Council to try and ensure that this
will be the case in Lichfield too. I share the concern of many
constituents who have told me that the visualisations they have seen
showing stark while concrete walls is wholly inappropriate for
Lichfield. I understand changes have now been made better to reflect
this and I suggest that the Council now publish updated visualisations
to put local people’s mind at rest."