A £7.4MILLION plan has been devised to restore the landmark State cinema.

A feasibility study for the disused Grade II listed building, in George Street, Grays, has taken almost a year to complete.

The proposal suggests combining a three-screen cinema with live entertainment venue, restaurant, coffee shop, bar and banqueting facilities.

It will now be presented to owner TSP Properties for consideration.

A Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation spokesman said: “The State is a rare example of a Thirties cinema in its original condition.

“It is an important landmark and the corporation felt it important to consider how it might be brought back into use to assist the regeneration of the town.”

The State Cinema first opened in 1938 and it retains many of its original art deco features, including the original Compton cinema organ, one of just a handful to survive in its original cinema.

The plan would also see the front of the building improved to make it more attractive, with a new terrace, and the relighting of the tower and the State logo.

The original Thirties decor inside, particularly in the auditorium, ground floor foyer, and the first floor bar, is also earmarked for restoration.

The building was first put on the Buildings at Risk Register in 1991, then in 1992 it was removed after it was partly refurbished and reopened.

In 1996, the building was placed back on the register after it was closed and sold to supermarket giant Morrisons, as part of a deal which allowed it to build a new store and car park.

It has remained vacant ever since.

Then, four years ago, it was reportedly sold to current owner TSP Properties for £550,000.

The building has been the subject of a long-running community campaign calling for the development corporation or Thurrock Council to compulsorily purchase it and reopen it as a multi-use entertainment venue.

Save The State campaigner Angie Gaywood said: “We absolutely applaud the fact the feasibility study backs up what we’ve been pushing for these last few years.

“We recognised the State would not be viable as a stand-alone cinema, and would have to be a multi-use entertainment venue, so we are really pleased about this, and with the fact the development corporation recognises the State is the jewel in the town’s crown.”

She added: “It’s a waiting game now as it’s in the hands of the private owner, but it’s important the development corporation keeps enforcing its empowerment orders so the owners keep the building secure and carry out any necessary repairs.”