A NEW building to replace the Thameside Theatre complex in Grays is unlikely to be in the same location, a report says.

Thurrock Council cabinet are due to discuss the Orsett Road complex tonight (Wednesday). The report says: “The location of any new build in Grays is to be determined through further work including masterplanning which is currently underway, but it is unlikely to be in the same location on the basis that it will make it impossible to maintain continuous service provision.”

The report comes on the back of a cross party review in October which stated the current complex, which also houses the library, was no longer fit for purpose. The same review said it was important for any new complex to remain in Grays.

The report tonight states the importance of the current complex remaining opening and functional until the time a new complex is ready.

It says: “Recognising that design and development of a new theatre is a medium to long term proposition, the report recommends that the Thameside complex remains open until such time as a new facility is provided, that minor works required to address any health and safety requirements and maintain or enhance the use of the building should continue within existing budgets and that efforts to increase income from the building to offset savings targets should resume.”