HBG wins mixed use development contract at Friarsgate in Lichfield worth over 50 million pound

The project is part of £100 million scheme by developer S Harrison Developments Ltd and totals approximately 600,000 sqft. It will include a two-level car park with 709 spaces, a 96-bed hotel, major retail units (a key tenant is Debenhams at 100,000 sqft) and with 16,100 sqft of retail use (Cafes etc), 21,500 sqft of leisure (including a cinema) and 5,300 sqft of offices. There are 50 one and two-bed residential apartments.

HBG Construction Midlands has also won a separate £3.1 million contract to construct a new administration block for Lichfield police, the relocation being part of the Friarsgate development.

Commenting on the appointment, S Harrison Developments' director David Clancy said: 'HBG showed an excellent understanding of the complexities of sensitive city centre schemes and demonstrated their commitment to involving all stakeholders in the process. They have a first-class pedigree, most recently in their work on a similar scheme in Corby, and we are confident that their construction and project management capability will match the high standards we have already set in consultation, design and delivery.'

The project will start in Spring 2008. HBG's Construction Director for the project is John Mensforth. The architect is Chetwood Associates, WSP are consulting engineers and the QS is Rider Levett Bucknall.

The scheme involves highway realignments and the relocation of the existing Bus and Police Stations which results in a complex phased programme. Archeologists have an interest in the site as the Roman City boundary ditch is known to cross the site. An element of the site boundary is also formed by the Listed City Wall. Extensive excavations for the two storey basement will precede the concrete substructure and steelwork superstructure.

Further information: Mark Slattery, Press and Media Manager, HBG UK Ltd, 020 8338 2341.