THE transformation of the landmark Grand Hotel in Leigh will be completed next summer with homes hitting the market in a few months, developers have revealed.

Bosses at 460 Leisure say progress is going fantastically for the iconic building in Leigh’s Broadway, which was owned by the late television star and businessman Mick Norcrss.

The development will see the former hotel converted into 18 flats with shops and a basement spa.

It comes after councillors raised concerns about delays and a lack of communication with the community.

But the developer insists the project is actually slightly ahead of schedule.

A spokesman for 460 Leisure said: “It’s going fantastic and the concrete is now in the basement and doors and windows are in the existing building.

“The roof is now complete and water tight and we will now be working on the interior mechanical and electrical systems next and are installing the interior walls.

“All the ceilings and floors are complete now and the completion of the whole development will be in June or July next year.”

It comes after the death of businessman and TV star Mr Norcross, who was found dead at his home in January. The project was his brainchild.

The site and development has been an ongoing saga for decades, the original hotel dates back to 1899 when it was known as The Family and Commercial Hotel.

Echo: N Construction - the scaffolding and works on site N Construction - the scaffolding and works on site

In 2017 Mr Norcross was granted planning permission to convert the old building into a wine bar, health club and a restaurant, plus 18 luxury flats, with 19 parking space.

The spokesman for 460 Leisure added: “The Covid pandemic is the main reason we had to come off site to ensure the health and safety of our workers.

“Southend Council’s head of planning and planning officers have been invited and visited the site and we’re keeping in contact with the council.

“Sales hoardings will be going up in the next few weeks and we’re talking with estate agents to decide which ones to work with.

“Our brochure is almost complete and we will be taking offers and selling the appointments in the next few months.”

Echo: Works - the back of the building and the basementWorks - the back of the building and the basement

Paul Gilson, chairman of Leigh Town Council said we should thank the late Mr Norcross for saving the iconic building. He said: “I am delighted to hear this and think it’s fabulous for the town.

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“You can see it’s progressing well and it’s such a lift to the town and moral as well. “We could see Mr Norcrosswas going in the right direction and he had the ambition but sadly did not see the fruition of the development.

“He could see what it could be and if he hadn’t have taken it over it would be just another block of flats and would have fallen into disrepute.”

Echo: N Impressive - Designs of how the landmark development of shops and plush homes could look when completed N Impressive - Designs of how the landmark development of shops and plush homes could look when completed

Plans for the landmark building have repeatedly been knocked back by the council, but to gain permission in 2017, the late TV star and businessman worked eclosely with the authority to make sure all the pieces were in place.

Mr Gilson, who is also an elected representative for the South East branch of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, added: “The project will uplift the whole area and add value to nearby properties and businesses.

“I cannot wait to see the finished development – I think it is going to be awesome.”