Theatre to be demolished in latest council plans

Campaigners protested against the council's decision to shut the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock

A theatre in Staffordshire could be knocked down, despite vocal opposition earlier in the year over its closure.

The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock,has been earmarked for demolition alongside the Civic Centre as part of a major regeneration scheme in the town.

The theatre was shut in April under efforts to plug a gap in Cannock Chase Council's budget.

The local authority's leaders are due to make a decision next week on whether to back the demolition plan.

Last month its planning committee gave the go-ahead for the neighbouring Forum Shopping Centre to be pulled down – but the theatre was not part of that scheme.

Now, cabinet members are being asked to include a proposal to knock down the theatre within the regeneration programme.

The council decided in February to permanently close the venue, and in September decided against a community asset transfer to the Cannock Chase Theatre Trust.

"This means that the council now holds an asset that requires significant investment to repurpose it," the authority's officers said in a report.

"The site needs to be decommissioned to avoid further additional ongoing costs."

The Prince of Wales Theatre could be demolished if the council's latest plans for the site are approved

The council'ss Civic Centre also faces demolition to make way for a major retailer and potential social housing, with the district council moving to "new, appropriately sized, office space in the area formerly occupied by the multi-storey car park", the cabinet report 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," said council leader Steve Thornley.

"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."

Future plans for the town must include provision for performing arts and culture, he added, and he said the council was speaking to groups who had the experience to help.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.