Original Coverage & Source Attribution: lichfieldlive.co.uk
COUNCILLORS are set to hear an update on Lichfield’s new cinema development behind closed doors.
The project to convert the former Debenhams store in the city centre into a new Everyman multi-screen facility is ongoing.
The progress will be on the agenda for a meeting of Lichfield District Council’s overview and scrutiny committee next week – but the public will not be able to hear the debate.
Both the media and local residents will be blocked from the portion of the meeting under the Local Government Act 1972 due to the “confidential nature of the business to be transacted”.
It comes after a councillor called for clarity over the opening date for the new cinema.
Cllr Robin Hall, Reform UK member for Burntwood South at Staffordshire County Council, said questions about the district council’s timeline of early next year went against Everyman’s interim results which said an opening was anticipated in the second half of 2027.
He said:
“I want this cinema to succeed, but residents should not have to piece together stock market announcements to find out when it might open. They deserve a clear, realistic timetable.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“Construction work remains on track for completion by the end of 2026, when the building will be handed over for tenant fit-out.
“Everyman has indicated a 14-week fit-out period, and we therefore continue to anticipate a spring 2027 opening.”
The overview and scrutiny committee meeting will take place on Tuesday (17th November).
