Cannock’s Prince of Wales Theatre has been saved from demolition and will undergo a multi-million-pound refurbishment following a decision by councillors.
The theatre, which has been closed since April 2025, had been earmarked for demolition as part of wider regeneration plans for the town centre.
Daily Focus recently reported on hope that it could be saved when a council report outlined two options for its future – continuing with demolition plans or to retain and refurbish the theatre.
Members of Cannock Chase Council’s cabinet unanimously voted to retain and refurbish the theatre last week.
The council said the decision will be subject to detailed design work, the procurement of an operator and a review of a full business case, which will return to cabinet before a final commitment is made.
Deputy leader councillor Richard Craddock, said: “Most of the people we have spoken to have said please save the theatre.
“Our residents and town centre shop owners told us they want a thriving theatre – and so we are doing the right thing for our community.
“We could not have stood by and see it razed to the ground – that would have ripped the cultural heart out of our district.”
Councillors heard that work would be ongoing to ensure their proposals were cost-effective and deliverable.
Plans will also move ahead to refurbish the Beecroft Road car park and improve the adjacent steps and access to the underpass.
Councillor Craddock added: “This is such an important decision for us and our community – and before reaching it we have asked lots of questions, and commissioned further reports, so that we can be confident as a cabinet that we have the answers that will produce the best outcome for our town centre.”
The council has around £14 million remaining from government funds that it secured to help with the town centre regeneration work.
This funding will be set aside to fund the refurbishment of the theatre, whilst the design work and business case is progressed.
