RENOVATING historical features such as the officers' mess at Shoebury Garrison could be a trigger for further regeneration in Thames Gateway, according to English Heritage.
The organisation is this week publishing a report, called Growing Places, which identifies valuable heritage areas that could be a big boost for revitalising the region.
Among the opportunities cited are the officers' mess and gunnery drill shed, at Shoebury Garrison, and the State Cinema, in Grays.
A spokesman said: "The 19th century officers' mess on the north shore of the Thames Estuary has magnificent uninterrupted views of the area and access to the nearby beaches.
"Hotel use might be ideal for this site. The former gunnery drill shed was one of the earliest indoor drill sheds and would be suited to be re-used for leisure or sport or could provide ancillary hotel accommodation."
The sites are among more than 100 "historic hubs" in the Thames Gateway identified by English Heritage - towns, cities and villages that have often overlooked historic assets that have the potential to act as a catalyst for regenerating the area.
Growing Places is available free from English Heritage Customer Services on 0870 333 1181.
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