A HISTORIC Leigh landmark is just months away from completing its transformation after years of delays, with half its new apartments already sold.

The Grand Hotel, built in 1899 on the Broadway, welcomed guests for more than 100 years until it closed in 2008.

Echo: Pavel says special care has been taken to preserve the landmark's historic features.Pavel says special care has been taken to preserve the landmark's historic features. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

It was bought by a developer in 2017 who planned to convert it into luxury flats, but planning permission was not granted until 2019. The development faced further delays during the pandemic.

Now back on track, the transformation is set to be completed within eight months.

Echo: Pavel and his Blueprint crew have been working tirelessly to transform the former hotel.Pavel and his Blueprint crew have been working tirelessly to transform the former hotel. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Site Manager Pavel Doaga, 31, said: “Everyone in Leigh knows the Grand. It’s prestigious. That’s why people will be proud to live here.

“I’m really happy to be part of its history and can’t wait to see the end result.

Echo: Bay windows in each apartment will give residents a wide view of the landscape.Bay windows in each apartment will give residents a wide view of the landscape. (Image: Blueprint Properties)
“Leigh Broadway is lovely. The whole street is beautiful.”

Part of the delay is said to be down to the age of the building, and the need to work “sympathetically” with it.

Echo: An open-plan dining and living room provides a spacious environment.An open-plan dining and living room provides a spacious environment. (Image: Blueprint Properties)

Pavel added: “It’s important to keep as many of the historic features as possible. There aren’t many buildings like this around anymore.

“The next time I walk down this street, I want to look at this building and say, ‘that’s my baby’.”

Echo: Modern bathrooms have been installed.Modern bathrooms have been installed. (Image: Blueprint Properties)

Currently, the construction of a new building adjoining the Grand is nearing completion. It will house six more one and two-bedroom apartments, along with an underground gym and a swimming pool.

The ground floor of the Grand will house a restaurant which will be open to the public, with an outdoor terrace and public parking for nine cars.

Echo: The kitchens feature integrated fridge-freezers and modern stovetops.The kitchens feature integrated fridge-freezers and modern stovetops. (Image: Blueprint Properties)

Twelve plush apartments in the building are almost complete, with new kitchens yet to be installed. Each flat will have access to a rooftop terrace, complete with tables and chairs.

The apartments ooze luxury, right down to the soft carpets underfoot. They are spacious, bright, and modern. However, they manage to retain some of the traditional charm of the Victorian building.

Echo: Room with a view - the former hotel boasts views of the nearby Thames Estuary.Room with a view - the former hotel boasts views of the nearby Thames Estuary. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Bay windows and balconies will provide residents with sweeping views of Leigh’s other historic buildings and out into the picturesque Thames Estuary.

With bespoke kitchens, underfloor heating, and access to a private rooftop terrace space, the apartments make for a totally unique place to live.

Several apartments also boast dressing areas and en-suite bathrooms.

The open-plan diner and living room are ideal for welcoming guests – as is the nature of a former hotel – into an airy and inviting space.

Pavel added: “It’s a lovely view. You can see the whole of Leigh and the water really clearly. It’s one of the tallest buildings in the area.”

Nine of the 18 total flats have been sold, with the next phase to hit the market in April. Prices start at £700,000.