Campaigners for Cannock’s Prince of Wales Theatre to stage peaceful protest ahead of council meeting

The theatre was closed in April as part of controversial measures to close a Cannock Chase Council budget gap.

Planning permission was granted in October for the neighbouring Forum Shopping Centre to be pulled down as part of the Cannock town centre regeneration project. And on Thursday (December 4), cabinet members will be asked to “agree to the inclusion of the former theatre within the red line for the regeneration programme with the intention to demolish, subject to planning consent”.

Cannock Chase Theatre Trust (CCTT) put together a bid for a Community Asset Transfer, which would have enabled the trust to take on the running of the cultural venue. But consultants The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC), who evaluated the submission, recommended the council should not proceed with the transfer.

Ben Farbrother, treasurer of Cannock Chase Theatre Trust, said: “We met every condition the council stated publicly was required. We produced a viable revenue plan, secured professional endorsements, and demonstrated community support.

“The 58-percentage-point gap between assessments has never been reconciled, yet we now face a vote on demolition. This isn’t just about one building.

“After the closure of the Museum of Cannock Chase, demolishing the theatre will leave Cannock without a single cultural venue. This matters.”

The trust will lead a peaceful protest outside Cannock Chase Council’s Beecroft Road offices from 5pm on Thursday, ahead of the 6pm cabinet meeting inside. Supporters are being encouraged to attend the demonstration and are welcome to bring placards expressing their views, but have been asked to maintain dignity and refrain from controversial behaviour.

The theatre was already due to temporarily close while regeneration work in the town centre takes place. The Levelling Up Fund project includes demolition of the multi storey car park and creation of a new “northern gateway” for the town.

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.

Peter Sidgwick, Chair of Cannock Chase Theatre Trust, said: “The community was promised investment in cultural infrastructure. What we’re getting instead is demolition.

“The Prince of Wales served over 70,000 visitors annually. It supported amateur dramatic societies, dance schools, live music, and touring productions. That doesn’t just disappear without consequence.”

The theatre recommendation being presented to the cabinet on Thursday is part of a wider update of the Cannock town centre regeneration programme. Cabinet members will also be asked to agree in principle, subject to a detailed business case and further report, that the council relocates from the Civic Centre in Beecroft Road.

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.

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.”