Local groups in Cannock Chase could take over the district’s closure-threatened theatre and museum – if they can present a viable business case for continuing the services.
Cannock Chase Council leader, Tony Johnson, revealed he has been holding talks with ‘interested parties’ regarding the future of Cannock’s Prince of Wales Theatre, as well as the Museum of Cannock Chase in neighbouring Hednesford, following feedback from the consultation that closed earlier this month.
More than 2,100 people responded to the consultation after proposals were put forward to shut the cultural venues in an effort to address a projected £1.3 million gap in the council’s budget. Residents also attended several drop-in sessions as part of the consultation, which was launched in November.
Daily Focus reported last month that thousands of people had signed a petition to save the theatre, with the total now standing at more than 20,000 signatures, while a separate petition relating to the museum has almost 3,000 names.
The groups – which have not been identified – are expected to present a business plan to manage both venues, with the local authority offering funding for expert advice to support their proposals. The council is also exploring the use of government funding to assist with necessary upgrades to the theatre building if the groups can present a viable case for continuing the service.
The council’s leisure and cultural services are operated by registered charity Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles (IHL), which manages the museum and theatre along with leisure centres in Cannock and Rugeley.
The theatre is set to close temporarily at the end of April as part of town centre regeneration work, with a survey of the building identifying that £2.2 million would be needed over the next decade, including £1.4 million in the first two years. However, Levelling Up funding received from the government for regeneration work cannot be used to cover the day-to-day costs of running the theatre or museum.
Currently, taxpayers subsidise the annual operation of the theatre by £167,000 and the museum by £256,000, excluding overhead costs such as back-office support provided by the council to assist IHL.
Councillor Johnson, pictured above, said: “We encouraged people to share their views and said we would listen to any suggestions and ideas that would allow us to preserve our museum and theatre offer.
“It is from that feedback that we have had people and groups come forward with initiatives, and we are hopeful they will provide us with a sound business case for how both services to the public can continue.”
Over the last decade, the funding the district council receives from the government to deliver services has decreased by millions of pounds in real terms. Leisure and cultural services run by IHL are classified as ‘non-statutory,’ meaning the council is not legally required to provide them. However, these services account for around 15 per cent of the local authority’s net budget.
Cllr Johnson added: “I have promised to do all I can to save the theatre and museum, and that is why I am pleased we are working with interested parties and being able to support them with specialist consultancy, as well as looking at using government funds that can be used for the Prince of Wales building.
“This is a very difficult decision. In every discussion with colleagues, residents, and organisations, I have had to stress that the council is facing an extremely challenging financial situation – and that we must have a balanced budget for the future which protects the vital frontline services we provide to our communities.”
A report will be discussed at a full council meeting next month.
