Wetherspoon’s plans to transform cinema in Grays given green light

The State Cinema is to be transformed into a pub

JD Wetherspoon’s planning application to transform The State Cinema in Grays has been given the go-ahead.

The building on George Street is set to be fully refurbished after new plans gained approval from Thurrock Council’s Planning Committee last week.

New jobs are to be created by the building’s transformation into a public house.

Restoration work will be carried out in the main lobby and the impressive Compton organ is to be restored.

This development coincides with the announcement that the town is to be given £19.9million of funding as part of the Town’s Fund scheme.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Strategic Planning and External Affairs, Cllr Mark Coxshall said: “This is great news for the regeneration of Grays and coincides with the fantastic announcement that the town is also set to benefit from a £19.9million government cash injection as part of the Grays Town Fund that will help reconnect the high street with the river and create a brand new leisure destination for the whole of Thurrock to enjoy.

“There has been a great deal of work behind the scenes to get the State back on track and I can’t wait to see its iconic doors finally reopen.”

More information on the Council’s regeneration plans for Grays can be found here.

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