THE Thameside Theatre is worth fighting for, according to members of the borough’s arts community.

But they would welcome a new building instead, if the money was forthcoming.

Thurrock Arts Council chairman Vic Gray said he would like to see money invested in the current Grays theatre tomake it bigger, but said he wouldn’t stand in the way if Thurrock Council decided to build another venue.

John Kent, leader of Thurrock Council, kickstarted a debate on the theatre at a cabinet meeting last week after the Gazette revealed last month that its future is under discussion.

The council has suggested several options for the Orsett Road site, which also houses the town’s library, museum and some offices.

These include investing in the complex, remodelling it for wider use – including a theatre – building a theatre elsewhere, or maintaining the status quo.

Mr Gray, who is also a member of Thurrock Courts Players, said: "I would like to see some money spent on the theatre and for it to be refurbished and made bigger, to attract more touring companies.

"But if the council was going to come up with the money and build a new one, I wouldn’t stand in the way of it.

"If that was to happen, we would have an input in its design and would know how to make it better."

Mr Gray added: “There is great feeling among our members that this is something worth fighting for.

"It’s nice that the council is looking at this."

A poll on the Gazette website found 29 per cent of respondents felt the Thameside should "get the care and investment it needs", while 26 per cent said it should be "closed down and a better theatre built elsewhere".

At last week’s cabinet meeting, a petition opposing the closure of the theatre, with 346 signatures on it, was handed to the council. Mr Kent asked: "Is the seven-storey office block useful to the council? Could we lease it as office space?

"Should we convert it into flats or knock it down and build homes?

"Does the town’s library have to be housed in the complex? Or would the civic offices be as good or better?

"We’ve got some tough choices to make, let’s talk about them.”

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