Cannock Chase Council’s Leader and Deputy Leader have paid a visit to the former Rugeley Power Station site owned by Engie, to get an update on its redevelopment. The power station ceased to operate in June 2016.

In June 2021 the power station’s four iconic cooling towers were blown down as part of the clearance of the site, which had seen six other blowdown demolitions take place in the months before.

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.

Rugeley Rose Theatre has received funding from Cannock Chase Council through Rugeley Town Council’s allocation of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) from the Thriving Communities and Centre Project, to help to improve their offer and attract more footfall.

The funding has been used to purchase a coffee machine, cocktail machine and pizza oven to improve the facilities at the Rugeley Rose Theatre.