LEIGH’S bustling Broadway has become a hive of activity with dozens of new flats and homes going up as hopes rise the developments will bring a much-needed boost to the town.

Construction work is under way and progressing in the stretch of Broadway linking it with Leigh Road.

The former Grand Hotel, which dates back to 1899, is being converted by developers 460 Leisure into 18 apartments, with a basement restaurant, spa and shop.

Next door at the former Overton Garage, construction is well under way on a housing development with 20 homes and shops space.

A disused car wash opposite, which is opposite the Grand Hotel development, is also set for a makeover after plans were agreed for 15 flats at the site.

Last week, plans were also revealed for a glass-fronted restaurant on a parcel of land linking Leigh Road with Leigh Broadway.

Councillors hope the various developments will improve the town.

Peter Wexham, Lib Dem councillor for Leigh, said: “There is a need for housing and it should help tidy up the area and it may help a bit.

“These homes are probably idea for people working in London who want to the train up there easily.

“As these developments have planning permission it’s best the get on with it and get them built rather than the sites being left empty or derelict.

“When people move into these new homes they will become part of the community. I would have liked to have seen bigger homes built but hopefully it will improve the area.”

The Grand Hotel in Leigh was owned by the late television star and businessman Mick Norcross, who died last January.

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem councillor for Leigh, hopes the developments will bring two key parts of Leigh together.

Ms Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment, culture and tourism, said: “It’s going to help create a transition between The Broadway and Leigh Road and these developments should be architecturally enhancing and it should create more of a flow between the two areas.

“It should smarted it up a bit and as it’s new development it should bring a clean feeling to that area.

“It will help with more cohesion between The Broadway and Leigh Road.

“I think these developments should be of benefit and hope they will complement the area.”