Work on Lichfield’s Friarsgate complex has been delayed again. The £100million project in Birmingham Road was due to get under way last autumn.

But it was postponed until the new year after the economic downturn caused delays in signing legal agreements.

Lichfield District Council leader David Smith, who is chairman of the Venture programme which is leading the Friarsgate development, predicted that work would commence at the start of 2009.

But the council’s forward plan reveals that approval of the development agreement between the authority and developer S Harrison has now been put back until March.

S Harrison Developments has said it remains “totally committed” to Friarsgate. Director David Clancy said: “We’re pleased that Friarsgate continues to attract strong occupier interest.”

The scheme includes a Debenhams department store, hotel, leisure facilities, cinema and shops built.

High Street names Next and New Look are among the retailers that have already signed up as Friarsgate tenants.