New fears for future of State as Cinema and Theatre group speak up
ALMOST a year since Wetherspoons pub chain boss Tim Martin said he was 'as keen as mustard' to get the conversion of Grays' State cinema into a new pub venue little appears to have happened on the project - and now the Cinema Theatre Association have expressed their fears about the state of the Grade II-listed building.
Mr Martin had pledged to borough MP Jackie Doyle-Price that work on the State project would resume, but though hoardings were put up around the iconic venue in April mystery surrounds what is happening.
In a statement today (Friday, 27 November) the Cinema Theatre Association (CTA) say their concern about the building and the stalled project is growing.
They say: "This fully developed scheme was broadly supported by Historic England, the CTA, the Twentieth Century Society, and the Cinema Organ Society.
"It was approved by Thurrock's Planning Committee on the 16th August 2018.
"It would form possibly the largest pub in the whole Wetherspoon chain.
"The State is important as an extremely rare representative of a 1930's 'super cinema' which has survived almost unaltered, with its original décor, organ, and fittings.
"It was never sub-divided and never converted to bingo. But these original features are now threatened by the lack of regular use and maintenance for over 30 years.
"The CTA and other Heritage bodies strongly urge that, the State's roof be urgently repaired to stop water penetration and avoid further damage, the cinema must be made fully secure to avoid break-ins.
"If Wetherspoons wish to amend their 2018 scheme they should either consult directly with the CTA and other heritage bodies, or submit a new planning application.
"The CTA remains ready to join in any discussions about the future of this extremely important cinema."
Last year it seemed likely that an amended planning application might be made after Wetherspoons confirmed they wanted to do some things differently.
A spokesperson for Thurrock Council said: "The council continues to support plans to develop the site of the old State Cinema on George Street and are actively engaging with JD Wetherspoons to bring forward this development.
"However, due to alterations to the scheme previously permitted by the Council that the developer now wants to make, there is a need for them to seek a new permission and ensure the support of Historic England."
When the £30million scheme was unanimously approved by councillors after a design process that took three years, it was praised for restoring an iconic building and creating an estimated 60 new jobs to the borough.
In January 2019 Wetherspoons applied to Thurrock Council for a licence to supply alcohol on and off the premises from 8am to midnight, Sunday to Wednesday, and 8am to 1am Thursday to Saturday.
The State Cinema originally opened in 1938 and was one of the largest and most modern cinemas of its kind at the time.
It closed in 1988 but later made an appearance in the box office hit Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Ten years later, one of cinema's most iconic monsters crashed into the building in a promotional video made for the 1998 movie Godzilla. The British band Jamiroquai used the cinema to film a music video for the song Deeper Underground, which was part of the Godzilla soundtrack.
As a Grade-II listed building, Wetherspoons is required to preserve the iconic art deco appearance but they have permission to make some modifications to get the building back into active use.
One of the largest of these changes will be making large holes in the external walls to install three large windows.
Wetherspoons have been asked for a comment on the progress of their plans and what will be happening to the building.
The State timeline
1938 Originally planned and built as the Roxy cinema, the State opened with the showing of the film The Hurricane staring Dorothy Lamour1939 to 1945 - World War II The cinema survived throughout the second world war and sustained no major damage except for a crack in one of the interior pillars from a nearby bomb. A 25lb anti aircraft gun was mounted to the tower of the State
1975 Mecca Leisure acquired the building and showed the X rated film, The Man from Hong Kong1985 The Mecca ran the cinema until the mid 80s, showing blockbusters such as Ghostbusters and Star Wars. The Last film Mecca screened was Gremlins.
1986 Robins Cinema reopened the State under new management, with the opening film, Back to the Future1988 The State celebrated its 50th anniversary
1989 November 30th - The cinema closed.1993 It was opened once again but as a Charlestones nightspot, an up market wine bar and night club.
1998 A sequence was shot in the cinema for the film 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' starring Bob Hoskins2000 The State was reclassified as a grade II listed building by English Heritage.
2001 The cinema and car parking was sold to Morrisons, with promises of restoration.2015 J D Wetherspoons bought the site.
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