CAMPAIGNERS, residents and interested parties are being urged by borough MP Jen Craft to sign up to attend a meeting she has brokered with the owner of the dilapidated State cinema in Grays.

The listed building, which was recently given some protection against the weather after a local campaign and threat of enforcement action by Thurock Council, remains in a state of flux – with little detail known about its owner's long term plans.

However, Thurrock MP Jen Craft says she has built a relationship with owner Naveed Ahmad, of London Developments, and he has agreed to attend a 'question and answer' session.

Mrs Craft says: "I recently met with the owner of State Cinema, and he expressed his commitment to restoring the building, preserving the unique architecture and ensuring that the future use of the building respects its heritage and keeps this space open to the community.

"I'd love for everyone who is interested in the future of the State to have a chance to hear from him as well, so I've organised a meeting in Grays with the owner, members of the Cinema Theatre Association and Thurrock Council.

"If you would like to attend, please email me as soon as possible at mailto:[email protected] and I will share the details.

"Alternatively, if you are unable to attend but have ideas or thoughts on the future of this historic building, please let me know and I will pass them to the owner.

"I look forward to working with him, and our community to make sure this much-loved Thurrock landmark is brought back to life."

Also see:

https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/concern-over-lack-of-visible-progress-of-repairs-and-patching-at-state-cinema-251732