A start date has been announced for work to transform part of a Staffordshire city centre.

The area outside the Lichfield Garrick and the entrance to the Three Spires Shopping Centre are to undergo a major overhaul.

Trees, lighting, and street furniture are planned as Lichfield District Council hopes to turn the area into an attractive meeting place for shoppers. It also aims to create a link between the city centre and the multi-million pound Friarsgate development – where work is due to start at the end of the year.

The complex will feature more than 30 shops, a cinema, hotel and residential apartments. Initial preparations for the Garrick Square project will begin on August 26, with builders moving in on September 1.

Councillor Neil Roberts, cabinet member for development services, said: “The new paving and environmental improvements will create an attractive meeting place for local residents and visitors and in the future will help link the city centre with the proposed Friarsgate development.”

Construction work is due to be completed by the beginning of November and the area will be accessible to pedestrians throughout.

The project is being funded by the district council and the county council. County Councillor John Wakefield, cabinet member for economic regeneration and sustainable communities, said the partnership would ensure maximum benefit out of co-ordinated action.

It would complement private sector investment, improve the street environment and enhance the cityscape to make it an even more attractive place to visit and shop.

Plans can be seen in the District Venture Exhibition room, Donegal House, in Bore Street, Lichfield. To find out more visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/garrick square