Prince of Wales demolition plans proceed to next stage

Theatres Trust is incredibly disappointed by the outcome of the Economic Prosperity Scrutiny Committee meeting at Cannock Chase Council, which will see demolition proposals proceed to a planning application.

Theatres Trust was invited to the meeting of the Economic Prosperity Scrutiny Committee of Cannock Chase Council who were looking at the Cabinet’s decision to include the Prince of Wales Theatre in the area for demolition. The terms of the meeting meant that we were not permitted to present our case for saving the theatre, but we were just there to answer any questions arising from the committee.

Unfortunately, the outcome was taken not to proceed with 'call in' of the Cabinet decision to progress demolition plans for the Prince of Wales.

Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust commented "The decision by the Economic Prosperity Scrutiny Committee of Cannock Chase Council not to proceed with call in of the Cabinet decision to progress demolition plans for the Prince of Wales Theatre is a short-sighted mistake that will have long-term repercussions for the area. During the meeting the council made a pledge for future arts and culture provision, however, with no firm plans in place to provide an alternative space for live performance, this will leave the town entirely without a theatre for the foreseeable future. This means locals will miss out on the wellbeing benefits that theatre provides as a place to come together, and the area loses the valuable contribution a theatre makes to the high street economy.

"Expert analysis carried out on our behalf showed that refurbishing the Prince of Wales and enhancing the provision, which was the original intention of the Levelling Up bid, would cost significantly less than demolishing and building a new theatre of the same scale. It would have less environmental impact, and most importantly, protect an established, well-loved community facility. We believe this would be the best option for Cannock. That public funds obtained through the Levelling Up programme to upgrade the theatre are now being used to level that theatre is a disgrace. The government and the council may not care about this misuse of public money, but Theatres Trust cares and the people of Cannock certainly do too.

"We want to engage with the council and any other interested parties to explore together the best options to ensure the people of Cannock are still able enjoy all the benefits of a local theatre."