Three West Midlands theatres on at-risk list

Three theatres in the West Midlands region are among those considered at risk of being lost.

The Theatres Trust's latest at-risk register includes the Imperial Theatre in Walsall, Dudley's Netherton Arts Centre and the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock Chase.

They are among 39 theatres across the UK considered under threat of closure, redevelopment or severe decay, which the trust said "all have the potential to be revived for their local communities with the right support".

The Prince of Wales was added to the register last year after it closed, while the others have been vacant for a number of years leading to concerns they will deteriorate.

The Prince of Wales closed as part of regeneration work in the town centre and Cannock Chase District Council decided not to reopen the venue as part of measures to close a £1.3m budget gap and protect frontline services.

But last month, following a change of council administration, the theatre's future was set to be reconsidered.

Meanwhile Netherton Arts Centre, which began as a community and entertainment space in 1883, was added to the at-risk list in 2022.

It remained an "active local venue used by amateur and community groups" until its closure a year earlier, the trust said.

It said Dudley Council, which owns the building, had looked at options to reopen it, but put it up for sale a year ago.

"Theatres Trust will continue to offer support and advice to the council and community groups working to provide a viable use for the building," the organisation added.

Walsall's Imperial Theatre was also added to the at-risk list in 2022.

It was given Grade II listed status the same year after an application by the trust, which said it was "a rare and important historic theatre".

It was "a rare example of a theatre derived from an agricultural hall of 1869" and had retained its original character.

It begun life holding community events, including shows and dancing.

Empty for 10 years, it was put up for sale in 2022 by its private owner but failed to sell, the trust said.

The Theatres at Risk Register was launched in 2006 and the trust said it had "played a vital role in raising awareness, building partnerships, and supporting the revival of important cultural assets in communities across the country".

In that time, more than 80 theatres were restored or revived or suitable replacements built, it added.

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