A very Portas partnership
Traders and organisations across the city bid for a share of £2million funding

This week traders and organisations submitted an application to become one of 24 Portas Pilot towns nationwide.

The application was submitted in response to an announcement by the government that £2milion pounds are up for grabs for towns and cities across the country that can show they can revitalize their high streets.

The funding announcement came on the back of a report written by Mary Portas ‘Queen of Shops’ that set out how communities can turn their high streets around, bring in new businesses, and attract new customers.

Brian Carruthers, Managing Director of Tempest Ford, explains: “Over thirty traders and organisations, including Obsessions Salon and Spa, Friary Shoes, Lichfield Live, the Lichfield Mysteries, Lichfield district and city councils and local chambers came together to come up with ideas to revitalize Lichfield City centre and boost vital footfall. The application which includes ideas like appointing a city centre champion, as well as a competition for local entrepreneurs to win 12 months free rent in a city centre shop, also featured a plan to turn Lichfield into the Covent Garden of the Midlands.”

Lisa Prokopiou, Centre Manager of the Three Spires Shopping Centre commented: “Part of the application process was to record a short film featuring traders explaining why we want to become a Portas Pilot city. On behalf of everyone involved in the bid I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part so enthusiastically.”

The application was submitted by Lichfield District Council, on behalf of the group, on 30 March 2012. It will be assessed by the Department of Communities & Local Government. The team will find out in May whether or not the bid has been successful.

Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council, concluded: “The ideas the team came up with were fantastic, and the enthusiasm shown by businesses and organisations across the city was inspiring. Whether or not we become a Portas Pilot, the work the team has done to pull the application together will stand us in good stead for future partnership working and city centre improvements. I’d just like to say well done to everyone who contributed to the Portas Pilot Application.”