Cannock’s former Prince of Wales Theatre is earmarked for demolition under regeneration plan

Last month the authority’s planning committee gave the go-ahead for the neighbouring Forum Shopping Centre to be pulled down as part of the Cannock town centre regeneration project. But planning committee members were told at the meeting the theatre was not part of that demolition plan.

Cabinet members are now being asked to “agree to the inclusion of the former Prince of Wales theatre within the red line for the regeneration programme with the intention to demolish, subject to planning consent”, next week however. Other proposals due to be considered at the December 4 cabinet meeting include scrapping a new pedestrian crossing to replace the subway from Beecroft Road.

A report to the cabinet said: “In November 2024 Cabinet considered the findings of a review into leisure, culture and heritage provision and proposals to reduce council spend on the service; following a period of public consultation, the permanent closure of the Prince of Wales Theatre was confirmed on 12 February 2025. Further to this, Cabinet resolved on 4 September to not proceed with a Community Asset Transfer in respect of the theatre which concludes any plans for capital investment via (LUF) monies.

“This means that the council now hold an asset that requires significant investment to repurpose it and in the absence of a business case to support the continuation of theatre provision of a similar scale in that location without the continued need for subsidy the site needs to be decommissioned to avoid further additional ongoing costs. As the council currently has access to grant funding to address this, but only within a limited timeframe, it is recommended that Cabinet make the decision to include the theatre building within the red line of the regeneration programme and that work progresses, subject to planning consent.”

The authority’s own Civic Centre would also face demolition as part of the next part of the town centre’s transformation. The building would 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.

Cannock Chase Council secured £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund in 2021 towards the regeneration project. The original deadline for all grant monies to be spent was 31 March 2025, but this has been revised on a number of occasions, with the latest change being an extension to March 2028.

The report said: “Members will recall that the original vision for the town centre involved a broader scheme of demolition works. At the time the occupiers of one of the key sites were not in a position to vacate and an alternative scheme was developed.

“Officers have revisited discussions with the leaseholder and on the basis that an appropriate alternative town centre location becomes available, the leaseholder is prepared to move thereby enabling demolition of the existing store. The land upon which the Civic Centre is sited meets the leaseholder’s requirements but for that land to become available to facilitate the relocation alternative office provision is required for the Council and its partners.

“The potential for a broader scheme has remained part of the strategic vision for Cannock town centre to maximise the regeneration opportunity and remove a dated building from such a prominent location. The issue has been around finding a suitable, nearby alternative and being able to do so within the tight deadlines imposed by the funding conditions.

“The intention is that the council would relocate to new office space within the town centre once built, therefore removing the need for a temporary relocation and avoiding the associated disruption this could cause. This means that the timescale for the relocation of the leaseholder could be around two years, it being the final move in a sequence that sees the new offices built, council services relocating, demolition of the existing Civic Centre and new retail store built and ready for occupation.

“Members should note that the project referenced only relates to the front of the existing Civic Centre site but that the redevelopment of the wider site could also result in new build affordable social housing. Positive conversations have already taken place with Homes England, and a detailed business case will be presented to members at a future Cabinet meeting.”

Residents and organisations will be able to have their say on proposals when planning applications come forward for specific town centre schemes. Further details are due to be presented to the cabinet in a report in the new year.

The cabinet report said: “Meetings took place with investors, developers and end users and those conversations have helped to inform the scope of the opportunity. As a result of the strong interest the private sector has shown in Cannock town centre, officers are in discussions with a number of developers and end users; residential, commercial and multi-purpose building requirements have all generated positive feedback.”

Council Leader Steve Thornley 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. 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. We have been very clear that a new framework for future development in our town centre must include provision for performing arts and culture and we are speaking with those who have the ambition and experience to support this.”