Lichfield city centre is showing encouraging signs of resilience, with newly publicised figures revealing that the number of empty retail premises has fallen by more than a third since 2021.
Figures released by Lichfield District Council show that just 16 of the city’s 311 retail premises were vacant in June 2025, compared with 25 in April 2021.
That represents a vacancy rate of approximately 5%, significantly below the national high street average of 13.5% quoted by the council.
The findings offer encouraging news for local traders at a time when many British town and city centres continue to face challenges from changing shopping habits and competition from online retailers.
Investment in Lichfield’s future
Lichfield District Council leader Councillor Doug Pullen has welcomed the figures, pointing to investment in the city centre and improvements to public spaces as important parts of the council’s approach.
The authority believes its ongoing regeneration programme is helping make Lichfield an attractive destination for businesses, residents and visitors.
The planned Everyman cinema development is also expected to strengthen the city’s leisure and entertainment offering.
By providing additional reasons for people to visit the centre, the council hopes to support existing retailers, restaurants and hospitality businesses.
Supporting local businesses
Independent shops, established retailers, cafés and restaurants all contribute to Lichfield’s distinctive character.
The vacancy figures provide a positive indication of the city’s retail position, although they represent a snapshot from June 2025 rather than a current count of occupied premises.
The council has also indicated that its regeneration ambitions extend beyond Lichfield, with £1.2 million earmarked for improvements in Burntwood.
For Lichfield’s businesses, the latest report offers an encouraging reminder of the importance of a thriving and attractive city centre.
Image – Lichfield Live
