Cocktail bar and restaurant chain The Botanist is set to come to Lichfield after gaining council approval.
The national chain, which has more than 25 venues, will feature alongside Everyman Cinemas in the redevelopment of the former Debenhams store in the Three Spires Shopping Centre.
Councillors at Lichfield District Council approved a strategic investment of £1.7 million to bring the brand to the city centre last week.
Council Leader Councillor Doug Pullen said The Botanist will not only attract people from across the district but from beyond the region as well.
He said: “We really believe that this will act as a wonderful complement to the many other food and beverage outlets we already have within Lichfield, particularly our fantastic independents spread right across Lichfield.”
He added: “In this scenario, Lichfield District Council is operating as a landlord and it’s quite normal for a landlord to pay the fitout cost for one of its tenants – that’s exactly what we’re doing here.
“This £1.7 million is an investment for us over the next 10 to 15 years. All of that will be paid back with interest and act as an investment for us.
“It also ensures that the units around The Botanist will remain full over the coming years by having such a strong brand here in the heart of Lichfield.”
The next step in the regeneration of the Birmingham Road site will see the multi-storey car park demolished. The project starts around May time and will take around six months to complete.
The former Debenhams store will be turned into a complex with a cinema and food and drink units.
Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Major Projects, Councillor Andy Smith, said: “This strategic decision to invest in attracting a leading food and beverage brand is part of a proven approach seen in major projects nationwide.
“Attracting a high-quality anchor tenant sparks interest and enthusiasm from other businesses, creating a ripple effect that will see more brands drawn to have a presence in the city centre.
“It is also predicted that upwards of 80 additional permanent jobs will be created on the former Debenhams site.
“Lichfield is forging an enviable reputation as a culinary hotspot boasting the only Michelin starred restaurant in Staffordshire amongst an array of fabulous places to eat. Bringing a new prestige brand to the city will only complement this and give residents even more high-quality dining choices.”
