Theatre supporters continue to fight despite demolition decision

Advocates fighting to reopen a local theatre are preparing demonstrations ahead of a council session where members will decide on its potential demolition.

The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock Chase was closed in April as part of the district council's cost-cutting measures. Peter Sidgwick, chair of the Cannock Chase Theatre Trust (CCTT), highlighted that the theatre attracted over 70,000 visitors annually, stating, "The community was promised investment in cultural facilities. Instead, we are facing demolition."

The council's cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday to consider including the theatre in a regeneration plan, which the council claims will contribute to a more dynamic town centre.

Sidgwick emphasized the impact on local groups, noting, "The theatre supported amateur drama clubs, dance schools, live music events, and touring productions. Its closure has real consequences."

In October, planning permission was granted to demolish the adjacent Forum Shopping Centre as part of Cannock town centre's redevelopment. The council secured 20 million from the governments levelling-up fund in 2021, with the deadline to use the funds extended until March 2028.

The cabinet has been asked to approve including the former theatre in the regeneration area, with the intention to demolish it pending planning consent.

The trust has called on supporters to join a peaceful protest before the 18:00 GMT meeting at the Civic Centre. Earlier in September, the council rejected a community asset transfer that would have allowed the trust to manage the theatre. Council officials cited an independent review which found the trust's plans lacked operational detail, audience focus, and financial realism.

Trust treasurer Ben Farbrother countered that the organisation met all council requirements, saying, "We presented a viable revenue plan, secured professional endorsements, and showed strong community backing. With the Museum of Cannock Chase already closed, demolishing the theatre would leave the town without a cultural hub."

In addition to the theatre vote, councillors will review the broader regeneration scheme and consider relocating the council offices from Beecroft Road.

Labour council leader Steve Thornley stressed the importance of arts in the town's development, stating, "Our vision for Cannock includes quality housing, employment, leisure, and cultural amenities. Difficult choices are necessary, but the goal is a vibrant, future-ready town centre."

The council has assured that future development plans will still incorporate performing arts and cultural facilities, working with experienced local partners to support this vision.

Analysis: The Battle Over the Prince of Wales Theatre's Future

The ongoing struggle to preserve the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock Chase highlights the tension between local cultural heritage and development goals. While the council has promised to include cultural facilities in its regeneration plans, the imminent threat of demolition looms over a landmark that has long been a community hub. The question remains whether these development projects will truly serve the town's cultural needs or if they will strip away an essential part of its identity.

Peter Sidgwick of the Cannock Chase Theatre Trust (CCTT) has forcefully argued that the closure of the theatre has left a significant void in the local arts scene. With over 70,000 visitors annually, the theatre supported a wide range of activities, from amateur theatre productions to live music and dance. This impact on the community cannot be overlooked. While the council's regeneration plans promise new opportunities, it is unclear if they will truly replace the cultural offerings lost with the theatre’s potential demolition.

The council's position, as outlined by leader Steve Thornley, focuses on creating a "vibrant, future-ready town centre" with housing, employment, and leisure facilities. However, the emphasis on performing arts within this vision raises questions about whether these projects will truly meet the needs of local cultural groups, especially if the theatre is lost in the process. Furthermore, the rejection of the community asset transfer earlier this year, based on concerns over financial and operational feasibility, has only deepened the divide between the council and local advocates.

As the council prepares to vote on the future of the theatre, the decision will have long-lasting implications for the town's cultural landscape. The challenge lies in balancing the need for regeneration with the preservation of community spaces that foster creativity and unity. The theatre’s supporters are calling for a final chance to manage and revitalize the space, but with the clock ticking, it remains to be seen if their efforts will sway the council’s decision.

Sources:

• Theatre supporters fight on despite demolition vote