Make way for Plaza demand

Businesses could be forced to hand over land so that work on a multi-million pound leisure complex in Cannock town centre can finally start.

Developers Chaseregen Plc will not reveal who is likely to be forced to hand over their land for the long promised Avon Plaza to be built in Walsall Road but said Compulsory Purchase Orders would have to be used if talks continued to be unsuccessful.

It is hoped work will start in August and the multi-storey development would include a bowling facility, bingo centre, a cinema, shops and parking.

The scheme could also include a 60-bedroom hotel and apartments.

Plans for the site emerged in 2005 when the Cannock cinema closed after 90 years.

Developer Fred Pritchard says talks have taken place with cinema firm Vue over the Avon Plaza complex.

Mr Pritchard, chairman and chief executive of Pritchard Holdings Plc of which Chaseregen Plc is a subsidiary, said: "We are totally, 120 per cent, behind Avon Plaza."

"We have been busy acquiring the relevant land so we can get on with it and, where we can't secure it by negotiation, will be compulsory purchased by the council."

He added: "As soon as we get the land secured, we shall be on site. We are hoping that will be around August time and it will then take 12 months to build."

Cannock Chase District Council's cabinet will be asked to reaffirm the authority's commitment to entering into a partnership agreement for the scheme when it meets on Thursday.

It would have to hand over the Avon Road pay and display car park land as part of the scheme, leading to a loss of income of around £100,000 per year for which the General Fund would need to be compensated.

The cabinet will be asked for approval to start negotiations for a 250-year lease to be given for land earmarked as part of the development.

By Michelle Pearson