The author of the "demolish it" comment is sadly ignorant of the importance of the building or is commenting as an uninformed speculative 'small-time' developer who should be aware that this building is a Listed Building and as such is highly protected, ultimately by crminal law, despite the best efforts of previous owners to exploit it to the cost of local and national heritage. It is a classic example of the brutalist 1930's architectural movement and is only one of 3 examples nationally of such cinemas surviving from the period.
Its internal features were a delight to behold when it was open and can still be. In my opinion the roof damage and subsequent internal damage that was allowed to occur and for which the owners were (neglectfully} never prosecuted by (utterly reprehensible I consider by all parties concerned) Thurrock Council for wilfull neglect is a shameful way to treat a rare Listed building of great local importance. It is historically amazing that the 1930's very industrial working class town of Grays (and Thurrock) was awarded the then privileged facility of a 2,000+ seater cinemas. But it was and it is one of the few remaining local surviving landmark heritage buildings we retain to celebrate our past. It must be saved and by means of scheme that truly retains its original integrity albeit with some multi-functions that still respect its fabric and interior and exterior. No serious weight can be given to the unthinking and clearly uninformed comment by that author. Perhaps Thurrock Council will now consider prosecuting the previous owners for (in my opinion) occasioning criminal damage to a Listed Building who allowed the roof damage to occur and prevail for so long. The current Council administration could then perhaps try to purge their political forbears culpability who steadfastly and inexplicably ignored their public duty and responsibility to have served a 'Listed Building Repairs Notice' for all that time the roof hole existed? Enough shallow talk of demolition, get on and save it at leas in part as a public performance venue for the Town for the Borough and for the Nation!

As the existing State building has no architectural merit why not demolish it and start afresh?