A theatre that was at threat of demolition to make way for town centre regeneration is now set to be refurbished instead after cllrs voted unanimously to save it.

Cannock's Prince of Wales Theatre was closed last year as part of controversial measures to close a Cannock Chase Council budget gap.

More than 20,000 people signed a petition to save the cultural venue – and Cannock Chase Theatre Trust put forward proposals last year to take it on through a Community Asset Transfer.

But in September 2025, members of the council's previous Labour cabinet voted not to proceed with the transfer, in line with a recommendation from consultants.

Later in 2025, the cabinet considered a proposal to demolish the theatre building as part of the next steps in the town centre's transformation.

The plan faced a stumbling block in January this year however, after a vote to transfer funds for ongoing work was defeated by opposition councillors.

Shortly after the new Reform UK administration took over the running of the council in May, leader Paul Jones said it would discuss the future of the theatre, with all political parties invited to join in.

On Thursday (August 20), the new cabinet voted in favour of retaining and refurbishing the venue, noting that the wider opportunities identified within the town centre Development Framework would not be progressed at this stage.

The other option presented to cabinet members on Thursday was to progress the Development Framework approach, including the redevelopment of the theatre site as part of a wider mixed-use regeneration scheme and the further exploration of opportunities relating to the council's Civic Centre site, major retail provision, housing, commercial development, cultural uses and education facilities.

Plans are continuing to refurbish the Beecroft Road car park and improve the nearby steps and access to the underpass however.

Deputy leader Richard Craddock, who chaired the meeting in Cllr Jones' absence, said: "It's fair to say neither option is without risk – both carry risk with regard to finance and delivery. We have a very limited time to move forward with these options – we have local government reorganisation happening very soon and this council will cease to exist within the next two years.

"We have to move quickly to do what we can for residents. I can only see one option – that is to retain the theatre, refurbish it and make it the very centre of the town.

"After speaking to residents, the vast majority of people have that same belief.

"Unfortunately, we cannot make a decision that pleases everybody, but we have to make the decision that pleases the majority of the residents."

Cllr Mandy Bell, Cabinet Member for Resources and Corporate Services, said: "It is important to us and the residents of Cannock Chase that the government funding is utilised to deliver a tangible asset for our future generations.

"If it wasn't for the cross-party consensus in January, between Conservatives, Greens and Reform UK, we wouldn't be in a position to vote to support the theatre.

"I hope that ethos can continue so we can deliver what our residents require us to deliver."

As part of initial plans for the regeneration of Cannock town centre, being part-funded by a £20m Government Levelling Up grant, it was originally intended to temporarily shut the theatre and reopen it after a refurbishment.

But in late 2024 the previous administration announced the proposals to close the cultural venue, alongside the Museum of Cannock Chase in Hednesford, as it faced a £1.3m gap in its 2025/26 budget.

Regeneration work that has already taken place in the town centre includes the demolition of the former multi-storey car park.

Vacant retail units have been bought and also pulled down, alongside the Forum Shopping Centre, with the aim of creating a more attractive opportunity for potential investors.

The council has around £14m remaining from the government funds it secured for the town centre regeneration work.

A report to Thursday's cabinet meeting based on 2026 cost estimates, indicated a minimum capital budget of £9.6m would be required to refurbish and reopen the theatre.

Thursday's cabinet decision has been welcomed by Theatres Trust, which works to protect theatre buildings and champion live performance.

CEO Joshua McTaggart said: "Theatres Trust believes that everyone should have access to theatre, no matter where they live; our mission to protect and support theatres is particularly vital in areas such as Cannock where the only theatre in the area becomes at risk.

"Cannock Chase Council Cabinet's vote in favour of retaining the Prince of Wales Theatre is therefore fantastic news.

"We added the Prince of Wales to our Theatres at Risk Register in 2025 when the council announced plans to close the theatre and redevelop the site, and we have been in conversation with council officials and elected members of all parties since then.

"Through our engagement we have impressed upon the council the need to fully understand the benefits the theatre brings to the area and what the impact of its loss would have been.

"We were recently commissioned by the new administration to provide more detailed expert insight into the different options for the theatre.

"We are delighted that the new Cabinet has listened to this advice and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to progress plans to reopen the theatre and see it returned to the heart of the community."