An iconic former cinema could be given a new lease of life if plans to convert it into a hotel with banqueting facilities, a spa and a gym are approved. Plans to convert the State Cinema in Grays have been formally submitted to Thurrock Council.
The State Cinema has been disused for several years, but new proposals outline a “comprehensive restoration and repurposing” of the Grade II-listed building, within Grays town centre. The plans include the repurposing of the existing auditorium space into a banqueting hall with a capacity of 560.
There is also plans for a hotel bar and restaurant on the first floor with 57 hotel rooms proposed. The building would also undergo a two-storey roof extension, along with amenity space and landscaping.
A report submitted to Thurrock Council said: “The proposals will result in the comprehensive preservation, restoration and reinstatement of historic fabric, coupled with a contemporary upward extension which successfully responds to the host building’s strong verticality. The combination of which will secure the long-term conservation and future viable operation of this important heritage asset, bringing with it extensive public benefits.”
The Grade II* listed building opened in 1938, with a capacity of 2,200, and featured state-of-the-art facilities for its time. But it closed in 1988 and has been out of action ever since.
The site has been subject to various plans in the past, including a proposal for it to be converted into a pub, having been acquired by JD Wetherspoon. The transformational plans were validated by Thurrock Council on April 23. A deadline of June 18 has been set for the decision.
Scroll down to see artist impression images of how the development could look.
