Council seeks developer for flagship residential site

One of the most exciting residential development sites to be released in Staffordshire in recent years is being brought to market, commercial property consultancy Burley Browne announced today.

Burley Browne has been instructed by Lichfield District Council to find a buyer for the 1.51-acre site in the heart of the city centre. 

The site - earmarked for residential development in the council’s masterplan - occupies a highly prominent corner location at the junction of Birmingham Road and Upper St John Street/St John Street, immediately opposite Lichfield City railway station. 

The local authority is inviting offers from residential developers with a reputation for delivering high quality homes and schemes that are sympathetic to the local culture and heritage. 

Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for leisure, parks and major projects, Councillor Andy Smith, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to acquire a gateway residential development location in the heart of Lichfield city centre. It sits between Lichfield City train station and the centre of the city, with its bustling streets, markets and world-renowned attractions including Lichfield Cathedral.  

Lichfield is on the cusp of significant growth and we strive to break away from conventional models of local council collaboration. Our leadership team, comprised of both commercially astute and forward-thinking visionaries, spearheaded several crucial development projects in 2023. We are presently seeking experienced partners who share our passion, ambition and vision for a vibrant built environment in this distinctive area.”

The area is currently undergoing a transformation, with £5 million committed to a new cinema in the district in a joint venture between the council and Evolve Estates.

David Hemming, joint managing director of Burley Browne, said: “We are excited to be working alongside Lichfield District Council to find a residential developer with the credibility, capability and capacity to deliver a class leading, high quality development of new homes in keeping with the rich heritage found across the city.

“Lichfield is a special place to live and visit and its strategic position enhances its attractiveness. While it holds its own distinct allure, it also complements the broader regional strategies, making the most of its proximity to major cities. This interconnectedness amplifies Lichfield's capacity to attract investment and foster collaboration. This is a gateway site and will be a flagship development for the city.”

Lichfield is a thriving cathedral city whose economy is forecast to be the fourth fastest-growing in the UK between 2024 and 2026 (EY), with a current population of 106,000 and economically active population of 85%.

Lichfield also benefits from excellent road links via the motorway network to include M6 Toll, M6, M42 and M5 together with rail links to Birmingham city centre on the Cross City Line and to London, Manchester and Glasgow via the West Coast main line.

For more information please call David Hemming on 07841 234160 or email David.hemming@burleybrowne.co.uk.

Burley Browne is one of the West Midlands’ leading independent commercial property consultants. It provides a comprehensive range of commercial property services to a wide variety of clients. These include private individuals and small businesses, through to pension funds, banks, property investors and developers, multi-national companies and national retail and leisure operators.

From its Sutton Coldfield head office, Burley Browne is unique in providing specialist knowledge provided by chartered surveyors specialising in each sector and discipline and covering Birmingham and Staffordshire areas (which include Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Tamworth and Walsall), whilst also serving the wider West Midlands region. Visit www.burleybrowne.co.uk for more information.