The plans for the future of the old State Cinema in Grays have finally been unveiled. I

It was announced back in 2015 that JD Wetherspoons would be opening a pub on the site of the closed State Cinema.

But, since then, little has been mentioned of the proposal, with people worried the chain would alter the design of the landmark cinema on George Street.

However, designs have now been released of the proposed new pub.

Amongst many aspects, the designs show that the circle lounge is to be changed into toilets, some changing rooms and roofs are to be demolished and converted into a beer garden, and the organ is to be restored and left to sit on the stage, looming over customers.

The plans have generally been met with praise from people in Thurrock.

Gary Davies, who is an administrator of the ‘Save the State Cinema’ Facebook page was generally pleased with the plans.

He said: “The main thing is that it’s going to be used and the people can enjoy it.

"The list of thing they intend to retain and restore is impressive.”

“We would love to see the ability for organ concerts to take place as this will provide a direct link to its past and original use.

“It seems that most of the alterations are reversible too which is encouraging.”

Other residents commented on our Facebook page with their views.

Kelly Judge wrote: “A wonderful idea in theory but I don’t think the reality will quite match up.

“Nothing I would love more than to see the regeneration of Grays – restoring it to a safe place with the quality of business restored as it was.

“Years of neglect and bad decisions will need a magnificent miracle to transform it. Good luck!”

Rob Green wrote: “Fantastic, this would be perfect for Grays.

“I’m sure a large company like Wetherspoons would do it proud.

“Stop messing about and get it built as soon as possible.

“Hopefully it will open at 6am for breakfast and 2am closing for the shift workers - fingers crossed!”

Emma Hancox wrote: “How about people who are not down and out drunks that like Wetherspoons and would like a local one?

“Employment would be a bonus too - they have good security and it’s a restaurant as well as a pub.

“I know many hard working people who would welcome this.”

Eddie Stringer wrote: “I’m sure Wetherspoons will employ enough security to keep it safe.

“I’m sure it will be in their rules for getting a licence.

“It’s not just a pub is it - It will be a restaurant too.

“They did a nice cinema conversion in Hexham Northumberland; they kept the original features etc.

“It may well be good for the area.” 

It is estimated that the pub will seat 475 customers with a further 56 in the beer garden.

The application has been submitted to Thurrock Council.

FACT FILE

  • The State Cinema is a Grade II* Listed building.
  • It opened in 1938 as one of the most modern cinemas of its type at the time with seating for 2,200 people.
  • The cinema officially closed in 1988 but was used as a nightclub in the 1990s.
  • The State Cinema has starred on the big screen itself. It was used as the nightclub set for the Bob Hoskins film Who Framed Roget Rabbit.
  • It went on to star in the video for Jamiroquai single Deeper Underground, the theme tune for a Godzilla film. The massive monster can be seen bursting through the cinema’s screen in the video.