Campaigners quiz council on Cannock theatre’s future

Cannock Chase Theatre Trust has put forward proposals for the future operation of the theatre, which closed in April.

The venue was already due to temporarily close while regeneration work in the town centre takes place. But last year controversial proposals were put forward by Cannock Chase Council for a more permanent closure as part of measures to close a £1.3m budget gap.

Hopes remain that a community asset transfer can take place to secure the theatre’s future. Cannock Chase Theatre Trust is working to reopen it and the district council offered to fund expert advice to support its proposals, as well as looking at how Government funding can be used to help with upgrades needed to the theatre building.

But concerns have been raised about the time being taken to make a decision on the theatre’s future. 

At the full Cannock Chase council meeting on July 23, six members of the public quizzed members.

Louise Booth asked: “Given that Cannock Chase Theatre Trust is now the only remaining bidder for the transfer of the Prince of Wales Theatre into community ownership, and that any delay beyond today’s meeting could push a decision to September, what specific steps is the council taking to ensure a decision is made as soon as possible to avoid jeopardising access to the remaining Levelling Up funding?”

Richard Kay asked: “As there is now only one remaining bid to save the Prince of Wales Theatre, can the council confirm that the choice before them is binary: either accept Cannock Chase Theatre Trust as the preferred partner, or proceed with demolition? And if so, what justification could there be for choosing demolition over community ownership?”

Council leader Tony Johnson said: “We will soon be setting out a timetable for members for make a decision. We are fully aware of the need to co-ordinate the decision with the Levelling Up Fund.

“I can’t give a specific date (when the decision will be made). But we are able to convene an extra cabinet meeting to have a single item agenda in August.

“Consideration of other options at this stage would be premature. The council would need to apply for planning permission (to demolish the theatre) – the present demolition contract does not include the theatre.”

Andy Moseley said: “Council executives promised comprehensive consultancy support to help develop the community bid, yet only 90 minutes of meetings were provided. Given the significance of this decision for our community, why was the promised support not delivered, and how does this impact the fairness of the evaluation process?”

Peter Sidgwick said: “The community group has had no face-to-face meetings with council officers since 10th April, despite this being a major community asset transfer. 

"What steps will the cabinet take to ensure proper communication and transparency in the remaining stages of this process?”

Council deputy leader David Williams said that a “really constructive” 90-minute discussion took place with the theatre trust on July 18. 

He said: “If you didn’t feel that was sufficient at the time, why didn’t you say so?”

Concerns were also been raised about the time being taken by consultants to consider the business plan submitted by the trust. 

Ben Fairbrother said: “The community group attempting to save the Prince of Wales was given four weeks to prepare their initial comprehensive proposals for submission to the council-chosen consultants, and two weeks to provide updates following feedback, a total of six weeks to create a detailed 30,000-word, 55-page document.

“SLC (the consultant) has now taken four weeks to evaluate these proposals, whilst an independent theatre industry expert completed a thorough review in just one week. 

"Can the council explain why their chosen consultants require four time longer to assess the proposals than an industry expert, and what accountability measures are in place for such delays?”

Jamie Norgrove said: “The council appointed Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) to evaluate the theatre bid, yet their website shows no relevant theatre industry experience among their consultants. 

"Can the cabinet explain why a theatre industry specialist was not appointed for this critical cultural asset decision, and how this ensures a fair and informed evaluation?”

Councillor Lisa Wilson, cabinet member for parks, culture and heritage, replied: “I can only apologise this has taken some time. 

"The council extended the submission deadline by one week and the theatre trust could have requested an extension if they were struggling with the deadline.

“It is essential the assessment carried out by the consultant is thorough. They have over 35 years’ experience in the arts and culture sector.”