Harrison boosted by £80m city centre deal (From Gazette & Herald)

Harrison boosted by £80m city centre deal

Malton-based company S Harrison Developments Ltd has won an £80 million contract to redevelop a prime city centre site in Lichfield.

Harrison beat off competition from more than 20 national companies in landing the deal to provide a mixed use scheme adjacent to the city's landmark Garrick Theatre at Lichfield's Birmingham Road on the south side of the city.

"The win puts Harrison firmly on the national map," said the company's development director David Clancy.

"It reinforces the message about the quality that is based here in Yorkshire that we can put together such an impressive team to beat off strong competition from across the UK. Our imaginative approach to development opportunities, and our track-record in delivering on our promises, are our great strengths."

The company, which is part of the construction and development-led S Harrison Group Ltd, has been instrumental in delivering a number of major town and city centre regeneration schemes.

It is currently working on the £50 million Washington Square development in Workington and a number of high-profile schemes in Sheffield and York.

Work will also start this year on a £20 million waterfront housing development on Tyneside.

The Lichfield project will see a department store, additional shops and leisure facilities, a cinema, hotel and residential and office accommodation on the five-acre site.

As part of its proposal, which won the backing of Lichfield District Council, Harrison plans to add an 800-space car park and relocate the city's bus and police station.

Harrison is drawing up a development agreement with Lichfield District Council. Work is likely to be completed in 2010. The Harrison team includes other Yorkshire companies, too. Leeds architects Chetwoods will work alongside Easingwold-based retail agents Nicholas Robinson and Partners. David Clancy will head the team.

Councillor David S. Smith, leader of Lichfield District Council, said: "This is a huge project and one that is key to the regeneration of Lichfield City Centre. It is part of our aim to provide first class shopping, cultural and leisure facilities to our two urban centres.

''The Birmingham Road redevelopment is a major part of this project, and the site has come one step closer to fulfilling its full potential with the appointment of S Harrison Developments Ltd."

Updated: 12:15 Wednesday, January 19, 2005