Councillor launches first Coffee Conversations series at Shire House
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, stopped by Shire House, the coworking and office space on Birmingham Road recently, as part of its new Coffee Conversations initiative, which gives people and businesses a platform to talk.
Speaking with enthusiasm about the new Lichfield Leisure Centre and swimming pool, which will officially open in January 2026, Doug said this project has been six years in the making and although it’s been a long journey, the result will be something truly special.
The leisure centre is only the beginning, he added, in April 2026, we will welcome the Everyman Cinema to the city centre. “This project is particularly close to my heart,” Doug said. “Early on, people said it wouldn’t work, but we’ve proved them wrong and It’s going to draw visitors and give locals another reason to enjoy our city centre.”
During his visit to Shire House, Doug praised the coworking and office space as a shining example of modern Lichfield. “It’s a place for everyone. Whether you work here or not, you can drop in for a barista coffee, and what I’ve seen today is that its shared spaces and offices foster creativity, collaboration, and community,” he said.
Doug also highlighted the Lichfield Greenway, a walking and cycling route along a disused railway line near Chasewater. “This project, another six-year journey, is about legacy. It’s sustainable, it encourages people outdoors, and it will allow everyone to enjoy the beauty of our district for generations to come,” he explained.
After the chat, Doug enjoyed a barista-made espresso at Shire House, reinforcing the building’s role as a friendly space where the business community can come together, collaborate and share ideas, and where the public can get their daily coffee fix.
