A DERELICT former cinema should be transformed into homes and an arts community centre, a former councillor has claimed.

The former Empire Theatre site in Alexandra Street, Southend, has been left derelict and empty for years, becoming an eyesore.

Now, calls are mounting in the community to bring the vacant site back into use.

The building was previously used as ABC cinema before being taken over by the New Empire Theatre Company in 2008.

Plans were previously discussed for homes and shops on the site but nothing has materialised and hoardings surround the site.

Jonathan Garston, former Tory councillor for Milton, says a community centre for drama performers and artists alongside housing would work well.

He said: “I think we need some community use and space for the site going forward. I accept there probably will need to be some housing as a lot of the city centre is now going that way.

“It’s been so challenging for retail so I think we will be seeing less of that going forward but I’d like to see a community space for artists or drama groups to put on plays.

“We’ve lost art space in the city so it is very much needed here.”

By 2016, the building had become rundown and its roof collapsed, destroying part of the first floor.

The New Empire Theatre Company left the historic building due to a rent dispute. Back in 2013, it was revealed it would cost more than £2m to revamp the cinema.

Mr Garston added that it’s a real shame the site has been left in such disrepair. He said: “We will have to see what interest there is in the future of the site.

“I think it’s a great shame that it’s just been left like this in a bad way, derelict and empty. I think it still holds a special place in people’s hearts.

“I have great memories of going to the cinema and spending good times there and I am sure so many other people will feel the same.

“I think due to this the site still holds lots of sentimental value for people in the area.”