An under-threat theatre in Cannock could be saved from demolition under a new option being considered by councillors.
The Prince of Wales Theatre has been closed since April last year and is earmarked for demolition – but senior councillors in Cannock Chase will meet next week to discuss an option to carry out a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the venue.
Wider regeneration plans for the town centre have already seen a multi-storey car park coming down and flattening of vacant retail units and the Forum Shopping Centre.
Two options are set out in a report being discussed by Cannock Chase Council’s cabinet on Thursday (20 August), one of which is to retain and refurbish the theatre.
The other is to continue with current plans to demolish the Prince of Wales site as part of a wider regeneration scheme with the opportunity for a predominantly residential offering with some retail, commercial, cultural and educational facilities.
The cabinet report states there was no consideration of reopening the theatre when the proposed closure was agreed in November 2024 and that it was only after significant interest from local groups that it was looked into.
Council leader Paul Jones said people he and his colleagues has spoken to had made it “very clear” that saving the theatre was a priority.
He said: “Our residents were telling us on the doorsteps that they wanted their Theatre back and we must take their views into account before coming to this extremely important decision.
“We have asked lots of questions, and commissioned further reports, so that we can be confident we have the answers to help our discussions as a cabinet. It is crucial we come to a decision so that the programme of work in our town centre can move forward.”
The report to cabinet warns that procurement of an operator for the theatre carries a “significant level” of risk but says positive outcomes and benefits include increasing footfall and spend in nearby businesses, creating employment opportunities and bringing an empty building back into productive use.
The local authority has said plans to refurbish the Beecroft Road car park and improve the adjacent steps and access to the underpass will go ahead regardless of which option is chosen by cabinet on Thursday.
The council has around £14 million remaining from government funds that it secured to help with the town centre regeneration work.
