Shop deal hopes rise at Woolies
A well known retailer is set to seal a lease agreement with Lichfield District Council to take over the former Woolworths building in the city centre.
Councillor Dave Smith, leader of the council, says the authority is finalising the agreement.
The building has been empty following its closure at the end of last year.
The lease agreement will be for five years as the building has been identified for development as part of plans to revamp Bird Street.
Councillor Smith said: "We are in talks with a well known retailer at the moment, but I can't reveal its identity as yet. We are hoping to sort out the lease agreement very shortly.
"It would be excellent news as the building has been standing empty for a long time and is a prominent feature of the city centre.
"We will be very pleased to get this sorted out. It would be a boost for the city centre."
The building could be demolished if the long term plan is adopted. The council wants to replace the unsightly Bird Street car park with a retail centre, housing and offices.
Draft plans for the scheme, which were drawn up before the Woolworths store closed, incorporated alterations to the building to provide better access from Market Street.