Published: Thursday, 13th August 2026
The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock, which was earmarked for demolition, could now be saved.
Senior councillors in Cannock Chase will be discussing an option to carry out a multi-million-pound refurbishment on the theatre which has been closed since April last year.
The theatre had been earmarked for demolition as part of wider regeneration plans for the town centre – which have already seen the multi-storey car park coming down and the purchase and flattening of vacant retail units and Forum Shopping Centre - to create a more attractive opportunity for potential investors.
Councillors will discuss a report on Thursday (20 August) which sets out two options – one of which will be to retain and refurbish the Prince of Wales Theatre.
The other option is to continue with the ‘Development Framework’ – which is the blueprint for the future of the town centre and would include demolition of the Prince of Wales site as part of a wider regeneration scheme – with the opportunity for a predominately residential offering with some retail, commercial, cultural and educational facilities.
Council leader, Paul Jones, said that it had been made very clear by people he and his colleagues had spoken to that saving the Theatre was a priority.
He continued: “Our residents were telling us on the doorsteps that they wanted their Theatre back and we must take their views into account before coming to this extremely important decision.
“We have asked lots of questions, and commissioned further reports, so that we can be confident we have the answers to help our discussions as a cabinet. It is crucial we come to a decision so that the programme of work in our town centre can move forward”.
Plans will move ahead, with either option, to refurbish the Beecroft Road car park and improve the adjacent steps and access to the underpass.
The council has around £14m remaining from government funds that it secured to help with the town centre regeneration work.
The Cabinet report indicates that whatever option is chosen, work will continue to ensure any plans approved are cost effective and deliverable.
To read the full cabinet report go to: https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/council/meetings/agendas-reports-minutes/cabinet/20260820