Cannock: Town centre revamp plans get the go-ahead

Securing outline planning consent for the scheme was an important milestone, said the council's deputy leader

Plans to regenerate a town centre have moved forward after councillors granted outline planning permission.

The "once in a generation" transformation is set to include refurbishment of the Prince of Wales Theatre, business workspace and a new "northern gateway" into Cannock.

Cannock Chase Council secured £20m from the Levelling Up fund towards the project.

A detailed planning application is expected in early 2024.

"If you think of what £20m can do for a town like Cannock it's amazing - it is a massive boost for the town," said Andrew Clarke, who spoke in support of the application.

"We talk about once in a generation opportunities - for me in Cannock it feels like that."

The council's planning committee unanimously voted to approve an outline application for development on Wednesday.

The plans involve refurbishing the Prince of Wales Theatre

The proposal is to replace more than 40,000 sq ft (3716 sq m) of vacant retail space and former market hall space, as well as an "eyesore" multi-storey car park.

There will be public engagement events in early December to showcase the project, said deputy leader, Labour councillor Josh Newbury.

"We are keen to progress our ambitious plans to transform the Prince of Wales Theatre into a cutting edge leisure and culture hub," he said.

It was also about "opening up the town centre with a beautiful public space", he added.