Welcome to Statecinema.co.uk
Hello and welcome to my website dedicated to the beautiful but now somewhat dilapidated State cinema building in Grays Essex. I decided to build this site as I have many fond memories from the late 80s when I went to see films at the State. Unfortunately back then I was too young to realise the significance of this beautiful old building and it's only now that we have no choice but to watch films in characterless bolt together multiplex cattle sheds that I realise what a magnificent experience watching films in these old picture houses really was.
The Grade II* listed building is currently sitting unused and has done for the past 18 years despite numerous rumors about a new life or prospects of a glorious return. Unfortunately the building is in a poor condition and is deteriorating rapidly and despite numerous attempts by different parties to reopen the doors once again to the general public the building remains closed and many of the new residents of Grays have no idea what exactly is behind the doors one of Britain's only remaining fully original Super cinemas.
I am looking to use this website as a platform to start a campaign to highlight the current plight of this building and bring the magnificence of this fantastic example of 1930's Art Deco architecture back into the public eye in the hope that new interest both publicly and commercially will enable the building to be open to the public once again.
With a huge amount of money having been invested in Grays town centre over the last few years it seems a travesty that the State was somehow overlooked and not included in the plan for the new Grays. The building now sits as a lavish pigeon house rather than being the jewel in the crown of the town centre and the epicenter for entertainment in Thurrock.
