Plan for theatre in Stone to be approved
Plans for a new theatre and pub in a historic part of Stone look set to be approved when it goes before planners next week.
Members of Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee will meet to discuss the application for the development of the town’s Crown Wharf.
The project includes a theatre with up to 140 seats, and the reuse of derelict buildings as a backstage area and stores, along with a public house. Members will be told the site for the Joule’s flagship ‘Tap House’ has 'important brewery history'.
In a report to the committee planning officers at the Borough Council have recommended the scheme is approved.
Now the planning committee will meet on Wednesday to make a decision.
The development is another boost to the town which has seen major retail outlets open last year – Marks and Spencer and B&M – and a new multi million pound leisure centre expected to open its doors on Westbridge Park in March.
The report also states: “The scheme shows the reuse and incorporation of the derelict Wharfinger's store and cottage as a backstage area, changing/green rooms and stores for the theatre, to which it would be attached.
"The theatre would seat up to 140 and have a more distinctive shape and form compared to the bar buildings, but it would be linked to its foyer area and theatre bar within the main public house building.
"The public house would have a more traditional appearance, reusing elements in the design of the former brewery stores further to the north west along the canal side.
"Pedestrian access to both facilities is shown on the north side facing into a courtyard and the bars would have access onto a covered terrace facing the canal.”
