A DERELICT bingo hall should be transformed into a museum or art gallery, a councillor has insisted after the owners were ordered to demolish or develop the site by a judge.

Pitsea councillor Craig Rimmer wants to see a “cultural and community facility” replace the former Pitsea Bingo Hall, which has become an eyesore It comes after a high court judges told the SMP group, which own the site in High Road, it has a year to act over the site.

Basildon Council was also handed £5,000 at the hearing on February 28.

The former bingo hall has been hit by two fires and a flood since it closed in 2009.

Mr Rimmer, chairman of Basildon Council’s leisure and environment committee, said: “The council was given costs of £5,000 and the demolition order was reinstated which means something must happen by March 1 next year.

“I think it will motivate them to sell it and I hope we do see this happen.

“I want to see a community and cultural facility such as a museum or art gallery.

“To make it economically viable it will need some flats above it and perhaps some behind it too. I want to see the facade replicated as I don’t think it can be saved.”

The site has has fallen into disrepair, with squatters moving into the empty building in 2019.

Prior to being a Gala Bingo, the building was a Century Cinema dating back to 1930.

The owners had claimed they wanted to build shops and flats but claimed the council refused to work with them.

The denied this and insisted it supported development at the site.

Mr Rimmer added: “I am very pleased about the latest on the site and the owners did challenge the council but it’s good to have the support of the court system.”

Residents are also pleased about the chance of change at the site in Pitsea Town Centre.

Sheila Cox, 71, of Pitsea said: “It’s just gone on far too long and I feel sad to see it in such a mess. I think most people feel actions speak louder than words.

“I can’t understand why the owners are not making money out of the site and surely firms would buy it up soon.”

The SMP group was contacted for comment.