Demolition plans for town centre car park approved

The multi-storey car park, due for demolition, has been described as an eyesore

An “eyesore” town centre multi-storey car park in Staffordshire is set to be knocked down next year, after councillors approved plans for the demolition.

The work in Cannock will make way for a leisure and cultural hub, plus refurbishment of the Prince of Wales Theatre.

Two vacant shops, part of a third unit and the canopy over Market Hall Street are also set to be removed as part of the redevelopment of land off Church Street and Ringway.

Cannock Chase District Council secured £20m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund in 2021 towards the project.

Outline permission for the development was granted by the council’s planning committee last year.

On Wednesday, an application for the demolition work and construction of a temporary compound was approved, with work scheduled to start at the end of this month and continue until autumn 2025.

The first phase will involve the shop unit demolition, with removal of the glass canopy to take place afterwards between November and January.

The most significant work, involving the demolition of the multi storey and Old Market Hall, is due to take place from January 2025.

“Following approval of the main outline application, a demolition contractor has now been appointed and relevant project work provided as part of this full planning application,” a report to the planning committee said.

“Shop Units 1, 2, and part of Unit 3 will be demolished, while nearby units (Peacocks, Costa Coffee, Home Bargains) will be retained, with full public access throughout the works.

“The glazed canopy over the walkway in front of the shopping units will be removed, primarily through night time work over a short period to minimise disruption to trade and ensure public safety.”

The report said the vacant car park was “considered an ‘eyesore’ by many”.

“We have waited such a long time for this,” said councillor Lisa Wilson, who proposed approval of the scheme.

Councillor Val James added it was “great” to have a start date, and said: “I feel really happy this will be demolished safely.”

There were concerns about access to a local church and businesses during the work, but the council report said that during the day, full access would be retained.

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