No firm offers have been made on an historic former cinema after it was put on the market, it has been confirmed.


The Regal in Hale End Road, Highams Park, was put up for sale for £825,000 just before Christmas.


Estate agent Strettons has been marketing the Grade II-listed building, which is empty apart from a snooker hall occupying one floor, as a possible site for flats.


But Strettons' Sean Crowhurst admitted there have not been any concrete offers, but added he was confident some would be forthcoming.


He said: "There’s been quite a lot of interest but as yet we have not had any formal proposals submitted.


"We’re expecting they will come eventually but at the moment we’re still in the throes of marketing it."


Community groups and councillors had hoped the cinema could be revived or opened for public use, but claim approaches to lease the building were repeatedly rejected by owners, Laudvale Properties.


The Regal was a focal point for the community when it opened in 1911 as the Highams Park Electric Theatre.


It closed in 1971 but later reopened as a bingo hall, which was eventually turned into a bar and nightclub.