Campaigners fighting to save a Staffordshire town’s theatre have vowed to continue their battle after the venue was earmarked for demolition.
Cannock Chase Council’s cabinet will this week (4 December) consider proposals to demolish the former Prince of Wales Theatre, subject to planning approval, as part of a wider town centre regeneration scheme. Planning permission to demolish the neighbouring Forum Shopping Centre was granted in October.
The authority says the plans – which could also see the civic centre flattened for retail and housing development and the removal of a proposed pedestrian crossing from Beecroft Road – would expand the development ‘footprint’ and make the site more attractive to investors.
The theatre was closed permanently in April after plans to shut it were confirmed in February. Campaigners formed a CIC, Cannock Chase Theatre Trust, and submitted a business plan in a bid to save the venue, but this was rejected by the council.
A Trust spokesperson said: “After 11 months of community campaigning, over £34,000 raised, over 20,000 petition signatures, more than 35 dedicated volunteers and a comprehensive Community Asset Transfer bid that an independent consultant scored at 79 per cent – the Council’s response is to flatten the building.
“The theatre served over 70,000 visitors annually. It supported amateur dramatic societies, dance schools, live music, touring shows. It was – and could be again – the beating cultural heart of this district. Instead, Cannock will become a town without a single cultural venue. No theatre. No museum (also closed). Nothing.
“We are exploring all remaining options. This decision still requires planning consent. There will be opportunities for the community to make its voice heard.”
The council has secured £20m in government funding for what it calls an ‘ambitious and transformational’ regeneration scheme, with a further £6.8m coming from its own budget. Earlier this year, senior councillors set out their vision for the area in a prospectus presented at a national property conference.
Council leader Steve Thornley said: “Everyone wants to see Cannock town centre thrive – and we must not stand still if we are to compete with other neighbouring towns and areas.
“Our vision is to have a town centre where people want to live in good, affordable homes, where they can work, and where they can enjoy social and leisure time. To get there, difficult decisions have been taken but the prize of a vibrant town centre fit for the future is what we must concentrate on and drive us all forward.
“We have been very clear that a new framework for future development in our town centre must include provision for performing arts and culture and we are speaking with those who have the ambition and experience to support this.”
Members of the public will be able to comment on the plans when planning applications for specific schemes are submitted, with further details due to go before cabinet in the new year.
This council is as bad as this government,they don’t care about the community it’s what they can put in their pockets,
And who are they kidding regeneration this council won’t be in charge to see it happen.