A ground-breaking ceremony at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cannock site was held last week to mark the start of construction for the new £160m shopping and leisure destination.

McArthurGlen, the leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets in Europe’s, began the site preparation and earth works in July this year, with the selected contractor, Bowmer & Kirkland.

Phase one of the development, which will include 80 stores, restaurants and a children’s playground will open in 2020 and will see the creation of over 1,000 retail jobs.

Plans by Cannock Chase District Council and its leisure services partner, Inspiring healthy lifestyles, to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1 this November have been boosted with the award of a £15,000 grant.

Phase one of the £1.3m development of The Stadium’s completion was marked with an official opening this week.

The ribbon on the new gates was cut by the Leader of the Council Councillor George Adamson and Portfolio Leader for Culture & Sport Councillor Christine Mitchell.

A programme of events was held throughout the day, starting with a community litter pick, hosted by the newly formed Friends of Cannock Stadium Park.

Around 160 tradespeople and local suppliers have attended a Meet the Buyer event involving Bowmer & Kirkland, the main construction contractors responsible for building the new McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cannock due to open in 2020.

The event, held today, was organised by Cannock Chase Council as part of its ongoing role to maximize the benefits the Outlet can offer to the local economy.

Nearly 35 different trade requirements have been identified by Bowmer & Kirkland and the hope is to match these opportunities to as many local suppliers as possible.

On Saturday 29 September, Cannock Chase Council will grant the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Cannock Chase Branch, with the Freedom on Entry to the District, to mark the centenary of the RAF in April 2018.

A parade formation will take place at 10:30am at the top of Market Street in Hednesford, next to the clock tower, followed by a ceremony at 11am, where the Chairman Councillor Paul Witton will present RAFA with the freedom scroll.  The parade will then march down Market Street to Hednesford Park, with a military band.

In August this year, as part of Cannock Chase Council’s Annual Canvass, every household in the Cannock Chase area was sent a Household Enquiry Form (HEF).  The form is addressed to “The Occupier” and contains details inside of who is currently recorded as living at the property.  You need to respond to the form.

Cannock Chase Council teamed up with Talent Match Staffordshire to host a jobs fair in Cannock this week.

Jobseekers and people looking for a career change were invited to come along meet face to face with local employers with job vacancies in and around Cannock Chase District.  Jobseekers received help from support organisations including’ Steps to Work, Blue Orchid and South Staffordshire College all aimed at supporting individuals into employment.

A brick chair sculpture has been unveiled in Hednesford Park, nearly 20 years after it was originally donated to Cannock Chase Council.

The chair will be a significant addition to the story walk events and activities held in the park lead by the Community and Education team throughout the year and will encourage local schools to use it to promote story telling sessions as part of the school curriculum.

The multi-storey car park in Cannock town centre which closed recently to all users will see further restrictions imposed from today (Thursday) in order to repair an adjacent service ramp.

Structural engineering advice given to Cannock Chase Council has resulted in the Council having to impose a weight limit of 3 tonnes maximum on all vehicles using the ramp. As a result, a 2.6m height restriction barrier is being installed, alongside signage, to prevent and advise vehicles of the limit and to not use the service ramp.