Town regeneration scheme will transform Cannock to a destination town – Chamber
The new Cannock centre town regeneration scheme will have the potential of transforming Cannock as a destination town with natural beauty, business leaders said today.
At its next Cabinet meeting on 28 March, councillors will receive an update on the overall scheme which is backed with £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. They will also be asked to give permission to spend an initial £9m to progress phase one of the works.
Subject to Cabinet’s decision, it would mean building and construction works can begin later this year, with work underway to create a new Northern Gateway opening up the entrance to the town centre from the Ringway; much needed improvements made to the Council’s adjacent Beecroft Road Car Park; and the demolition of the town’s former multi-storey car park.
The works will follow months of behind the scenes activity to develop the overall scheme, securing outline planning permission, assembling land for development, and consulting and engaging with residents and businesses.
Head of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce Richard Brooks (pictured) welcomed this decision, saying: “This is great news for everyone.
“As a member of the Cannock Town Centre Partnership board and head of the Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, I am really happy to see this now moving forward.
“There will be a spot of disruption around the town once started, but it will go a really long way to help us develop visitor numbers, attracting quality independent retail and hospitality, and a superb destination spot for those coming to our town, an amazing place that sits astride an area of natural beauty that is Cannock Chase.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor Tony Johnson said: “I am pleased that we are now close to being able to spend nearly half of the £20m funding allocated by the Government and will soon be able to get on and create the improved town centre in Cannock everyone deserves.”
“This is an ambitious scheme, where we are working closely with Government, the county council and our partners in the community; not least to maximise the best use of the resources we have available which have been affected by inflationary pressures we all know about.”
