Work continues to demolish 'eye-sore' Cannock multi-storey car park

The centre of Cannock was full of equipment and a large area around the multi-storey car park fenced off as work began to demolish the car park.

Cannock Chase Council announced in October that planning permission has been granted for a £20 million regeneration project, which included the demolition of the car park alongside the removal of the glass canopy above Cannock Shopping Centre, demolition of units 1 and 2, and partial demolition of unit 3 and erection of a temporary compound.

Preparatory works relating to road and access improvements began in late October, with demolition work commencing in November and fully commencing this month.

Demolition works will also include a number of units, including a former sweet shop, Salvation Army and bed shop, with internal works being undertaken to allow other units to be integrated into the shopping centre.

The space created following the demolition of the buildings will enable the construction of a retaining wall and the new steps and ramps will be constructed, along with the new café.

It comes in the week that a budget was approved by councillors which could lead to the permanent closure of the Prince of Wales Theatre and the Museum of Cannock Chase.

The closures form part of Cannock Chase Council's attempt to close a £1.3m budget shortfall for the next financial year.

The theatre was set to be refurbished as part of the town centre regeneration project being part-funded by a £20m Government Levelling Up grant.

A meeting of the full council at Cannock Chase Council HQ saw the draft General Fund Budget and Capital Programme set at £15,809m between 2024-2028 and approved.

It will see the theatre and the Museum of Cannock Chase in Hednesford potentially be closed in April unless someone comes forward to save them

The meeting heard council leader Tony Johnson say it was with 'immense regret ' that they had to take the course of action to save money.

He said talks were being held with community interest companies to save both venues.