Express & Star

New theatre and pub plan approved

Plans for a new theatre and pub in a historic part of Stone have been given the green light by planning bosses.

Published
The decision was made by Stafford Borough Council

Members of Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee approved the application for the development of the town’s Crown Wharf.

The project includes a theatre with up to 140 seats, and the reuse of derelict buildings as a backstage area and stores, along with a public house. Members were told the site for the Joule’s flagship ‘Tap House’ has 'important brewery history'.

The development is another boost to the town which has seen major retail outlets open last year – Marks and Spencer and B&M – and a new multi million pound leisure centre expected to open its doors on Westbridge Park in March.

The report also states: “The scheme shows the reuse and incorporation of the derelict Wharfinger's store and cottage as a backstage area, changing/green rooms and stores for the theatre, to which it would be attached.

"The theatre would seat up to 140 and have a more distinctive shape and form compared to the bar buildings, but it would be linked to its foyer area and theatre bar within the main public house building.

"The public house would have a more traditional appearance, reusing elements in the design of the former brewery stores further to the north west along the canal side.

"Pedestrian access to both facilities is shown on the north side facing into a courtyard and the bars would have access onto a covered terrace facing the canal.”