THE derelict State cinema building is due to go for auction early next month - with a guide price of £500,000.

For several years the Grade II*-listed site was set to become a showcase pub in the Wetherspoons chain, but late last year the group announced it had scrapped the plan and wanted to sell the building.

It is now being marketed and the sellers say completion on a sale could be as little as six weeeks.

Agents selling the site say: "The property currently benefits from assembly, leisure and entertainment (formerly Class D2) consent, now included within Use Class Sui Generis as of September 2020. JD Wetherspoon have obtained planning permission to change the use of the building from cinema to public house and to carry out the associated works to facilitate public house use.

"The property is Grade II* Listed but is not situated within a conservation area.

"The property may lend itself to a variety of alternative uses and redevelopment, subject to obtaining all the necessary consents. All enquiries should be made with the local authority: Thurrock Council."