Posted on Wednesday 29th June 2022
Victoria Wilson
Visitors to Cannock library can have their say next month on outline proposals for a possible relocation of the service to a new multi-purpose cultural hub.
Cannock Chase Council recently secured £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support an ambitious redevelopment of Cannock town centre.
The cultural hub could accommodate Staffordshire County Council’s library service, meaning it would be close to other amenities in a central location. The hub could also incorporate a refurbished Prince of Wales Theatre, two-screen cinema, café, bar and restaurant.
Proposals for any library service move are in their very early stages and will need careful consideration by the county council, community groups and other partners.
Two informal drop-in events will be held in Cannock Library on Saturday July 9 and Tuesday July 12 between 10am and midday, where people will be able to share their views with the library team.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture Victoria Wilson said:
Cannock has a superb library that is well used and so we want to know the views of regular visitors on proposals to relocate the service.
The cultural hub would be an exciting development as part of the wider town centre regeneration scheme. The county council does have a strong track record with library service relocation, notably at Lichfield, Newcastle and Stafford.
We are clear though that the offer to relocate our library service at the planned cultural hub is very much an initial proposal and needs further exploration by the county council.
That’s why our library members’ views are invaluable to us. We hope they come along to one of the sessions for an informal chat with a member of our team.”
The wider regeneration plans for the town centre include new civic offices, incubator workspace and the creation of a Northern Gateway – removing the existing subway, improving connection to Beecroft Road car park and creating a high-quality public realm and commercial space.