Cannock town centre Levelling Up Fund scheme set to move forward

Cannock Chase Council is set to begin the delivery of what will be phase one of its ambitious scheme to redevelop a key part of Cannock town centre.

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.

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.

Adding his support, the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Leader for Regeneration and High Streets, Councillor Josh Newbury said: “The Council has been working hard behind the scenes to develop the programme for the Levelling Up Fund scheme and it is great news that we at a point where Cabinet can consider the detail for phase one of the project. I thank everyone for their continuing patience.

“In return, we will be delivering a car park with a much better layout, wider bays, disabled parking spaces, EV charging points, an area for bikes, trees and new signage; a much better welcome into the town from the northern side with a new pedestrian crossing, the area opened up and a new café; and last but not least, the removal of the eyesore that the multi-storey car park has become.

Later this year, the Council will undertake further engagement with residents and businesses in the town centre as it looks to progress phase two of Cannock town centre’s redevelopment.”