The partners, involved in the redevelopment of Friary Outer car park in Lichfield, gathered on Tuesday 3 April 2012 to celebrate building work starting on the £14 million development.
To mark the occasion, Simon Burton, Regional Managing Director for Miller Construction, presented Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council, and Nick Cummins, Executive Director at Bromford, with specially engraved spades.
The car park closed at the end of March to make way for the first phase of construction work taking place. This includes a multi-deck car park, public toilets, 54 supported housing association apartments for older people, and six shared ownership homes.
The housing element of the scheme has benefited from £2.4 million investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The group that joined the celebration was made up of representatives from S Harrison - developers of the scheme, Lichfield District Council - landowners of the site who will also own and operate the car park and public toilets, Bromford - who will own and manage the supported apartments and market the affordable homes element of the scheme, Miller Construction - who is the main contractor for the first phase of the development, HCA - who is contributing £2.4 million to the housing element of the scheme, and Chetwoods Architects - the architects of the development.
They were also joined by Sandford Gate residents, Freda Lees, Floss Ors, and Yvonne Parkhouse, who will be moving into the supported housing once it is complete.
Simon Burton, Regional Managing Director for Miller Construction, said: “We were delighted to present Councillor Wilcox and Nick Cummings with ceremonial spades to mark the commencement of works on site. We are looking forward to working with Lichfield District Council and Bromford in the coming months and continuing our partnership with S Harrison.
“I am confident, that upon completion, the residents of Lichfield and visitors to the area, will benefit from the scheme for many years to come.”
Nick Cummins, Executive Director at Bromford, said: “We were thrilled to accept a beautiful ceremonial spade from Miller Construction to signify the launch of what we are sure will be a fantastic partnership.
“Bromford is very excited to be involved in this unique project, working with world class developers to help create 54 supported homes for residents of nearby Sandford Gate and six modern shared ownership homes, helping to boost available housing in the beautiful city of Lichfield.
“I look forward to watching the scheme spring up over the coming months and to providing our elderly residents with a bright and happy future. “
Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council, added: “I am thrilled to accept this ceremonial spade on behalf of the council. It is great that work has started on site and we’re eager to see the development taking shape. We also look forward to launching a brand new car park with nearly double the spaces, which I am sure will be well used by residents and visitors to the city.”
The second phase of the scheme is set to include a hotel and restaurant, and will take place later in the building programme.
While work progresses on site, Miller Construction will be operating out of a small temporary compound on Festival Gardens. This will remain in place while the development is underway. The area it covers will be re-landscaped and new trees planted after it is complete.
“We know some people were concerned to see around 20 trees felled to make way for the development. We approved the removal of the trees only after they had been assessed by independent arboricultural consultants, who found that many were in poor health. However, we want to reassure everyone that new trees will be planted and landscaping work is programmed in as part of the works,” added Cllr Wilcox.
To keep up to date on Friary Outer redevelopment, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/friaryouter
