Lichfield & Tamworth Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber Patrons
Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650
Ready for wear: the Asos warehouse at Barnsley
Asos centre to bring jobs to the region
Online fashion giant Asos has announced plans to build a new £90m fulfilment centre in Lichfield – which will create 2,000 jobs. The 437,000 sq ft warehouse at Fradley
Park is expected to open within 12 months and be fully operational by 2023. Business secretary Alok Sharma described the development as a “great British success story”. He said: “This job-creating investment in
Lichfield is exactly the type of long-term commitment we need from businesses as we build back better from the pandemic.” Chief executive officer Nick Beighton
said: “This significant investment in infrastructure and large-scale job creation is a reflection of the confidence Asos has in its future and the quality of the skills and talent available in this well-placed location.”
Southern bypass enters final phase
Work has begun on the final phase of Lichfield’s southern bypass. The work follows the completion of a new
railway bridge in Birmingham Road, and will also be accompanied by the construction of new housing by Persimmon Homes. Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, David Williams, said: “We’re pleased to see such good progress taking place on the final section of the Lichfield southern bypass, which is vital for the city’s future growth. It will also support the delivery of much- needed new homes it will reduce congestion in the city centre. “This phase will see works impact on the
road network for the first time as alterations are made to the junction of London Road and Tamworth Road. Unfortunately, it will be necessary to close a short section of Shortbutts Lane for a prolonged period and we apologise to affected residents for inconvenience during this time. “Work has been able to continue safely
through the Covid-19 period to help strengthen our economy at a critical time as we move out of the pandemic.”
56 CHAMBERLINK February 2021
Tamworth awarded grant for high-street
Tamworth’s high-street is set for a once in a lifetime revamp after being awarded a massive £21m Government grant. The grant is from the £1bn Future High
Streets Fund, and will be used to deliver a number of projects designed to create a town centre that meets the needs of 21st Century residents, shoppers and visitors. Tamworth is one of 15 towns to receive
funding, and the grant is one of the largest amounts awarded. The application was based on an in-depth
business case of specific projects, which will be revealed shortly, once the council has had chance to speak to the various landowners, businesses and partners involved in the successful bid. Tamworth Borough Council leader Cllr Daniel
Cook said: “This is amazing news for Tamworth and is a great way to end what has otherwise been a difficult and challenging year. “Our successful bid will enable us to make
long-lasting structural changes which recognise the evolving role of town centres as places for enterprise, leisure and living, as well as retail. “We put forward three options based on
different funding amounts and we’re over the moon that we have been awarded the funds to deliver our ‘ideal world’ scenario, which is more than we could have hoped for. “Together these projects will raise skills and
innovation, remove vacant retail floor space, boost the local economy, unlock opportunities for the community and further investment and
provide a lasting legacy for the future of the town centre. “We know the town centre in its current
format is struggling, as are all town centres, and needs to change.
‘Our successful bid will enable us to make long- lasting structural changes’
“We consulted far and wide with the
residents and businesses of Tamworth as part of our ‘Tamworth, What’s Next?’ project and the views given helped to inform the projects put forward in our bid for the Future High Streets Fund application process. “On a personal note, making a real and
lasting difference to the town centre was one of my main goals as leader of this council.” Another councillor, Jeremy Oates, cabinet
member for heritage and growth, said: “This award is a once in a generation opportunity for Tamworth. “The project will be a huge piece to the
jigsaw and will contribute to what is already going on to revitalise the town centre and is a real game changer in bringing it all together. “We’ve already redeveloped the Enterprise
Quarter, in a £6.2m project including the refurbishment of Tamworth Assembly Rooms, the creation of the hugely successful Enterprise Centre and the pending transformation of the Carnegie Centre into a restaurant.”
Council leader to step down
Tamworth Borough Council leader Daniel Cook is stepping down from the role this month. Councillor Cook has been leader for more than
10 years and now intends to spend more time with his family. His resignation has coincided with news of a
£21m grant being awarded to transform the town’s high-street, which he said would be his legacy. He said: “I have been leader of this council for
11 years and eight days, and other than my family, it has been the greatest privilege of my life and I hope you all agree I gave it my all. “During this period I have also held a full time
day job and, for a couple of years of my leadership, I was also a single father - while fully employed in the demanding logistics sector and leader of this council 24/7. That takes a lot of
managing and is exhausting. But I made it work as best as my abilities enabled. “However, 11 years is long enough for anyone
to juggle these demands. Being leader of Tamworth Borough Council is all my youngest daughter remembers me ever being. For those who did not know, my wife, Cllr Michelle Cook, is pregnant and it is time for me to give her my fuller attention. “It has been a journey full of ups and downs,
full of success and the odd failure. I have never believed I am infallible and I am certainly not perfect, but no one can be, certainly not when governing for 77,000 people and their complex needs and desires." Cllr Cook is handing over the reins when a new leader is elected later this month.
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