High Street store Marks and Spencer will be opening a larger food hall in Lichfield. The move has been confirmed as part of the development of the Friarsgate scheme and will see the existing store in Three Spires Shopping Centre close.

Property regeneration specialist, U+I made the announcement on the back of news that The Light Cinema will be opening a seven-screen cinema.

Food chains Pizza Express, Zizzi, Le Bistrot Pierre, Patisserie Valerie and Starbucks will be setting up shop in the city, along with clothing retailer Seasalt.

Richard Upton, deputy chief executive officer of U+I told our sister title, the Lichfield Mercury that: “U+I is committed to creating great places and we know that Marks and Spencer is a popular brand with Lichfield shoppers.

“A larger store will bring even more of the leading retailer’s food range to the city, and will be able to serve even more customers.

“It is an exciting time for Lichfield and I am confident that our investment in the city will generate new jobs and growth for the area, which has always been a key objective for the Friarsgate development.”

Rob Murray is the head of property planning at Marks and Spencer and said: “We’re really pleased that by moving to a larger store we’ll be able to offer our loyal customers a better in-store experience – with more products and a bigger team to serve them.”

U+I also confirmed that plans for more retail lettings are in the pipeline and should be announced in the coming months.

Friarsgate is expected to bring between eight and 10 food and drink establishments and up to 25 shops, 82 apartments and 11 townhouses to the city centre.

Councillor Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council said: “With every new letting that’s signed, the city gets closer to realising a scheme that will undoubtedly attract more visitors to Lichfield. With even more big names set to be announced soon, we’re pleased the development is progressing and plans are really taking shape.”

Food and drink

The development is expected to enhance transport into the city, by creating a new bus station bear to the railway station, as well as 476 safe and accessible car parking space.

For more information about Friarsgate, visit www.visitfriarsgate.co.uk.