A Leigh pub dating back to the 1800s that has been boarded up for seven years is set to be transformed into a 15-room luxury hotel complete with restaurant and bar.

The Ship Hotel pub in New Road, Leigh, has been boarded up since 2017 and will begin redevelopment today into a new hotel complete with restaurant, bar and lounge area.

The renovation is expected to be complete in May 2025, creating around 40 new jobs and bringing new life to the historic site that has had an uncertain future following its initial closure.

The Ship - Currently boarded up and ready for renovation The Ship - Currently boarded up and ready for renovation (Image: East Anglia Pub Company)

Leigh Lib Dem councillor Peter Wexham has supported the move to revive the boarded-up pub.

He said: “It is good an agreement has finally come through. It needs to be done as it can't be left as an empty building. It is also better than it being turned into flats.

“There aren't really many places to stay in Leigh like this.

“A hotel is needed in the area, so that will be nice. It will be a place for people to come and stay and see what Leigh has on offer."

Brewery, East Anglia Pub Company, believe that the venture is set to fill a gap in the hospitality market, offering “high-quality accommodation for visitors to this charming seaside town.”

The company currently owns the Peterboat, in 27 High Street, Leigh and the Trading Room pub in Westcliff in 522 London Road – both two of the most well-known pubs in the area.

The Ship Hotel marks an expansion of the brewery, who maintain their core values are “friendship, community and family values” reflected in their current pubs.

Directors of East Anglia Pub Company expressed their excitement about the project, adding: “We're thrilled to begin this transformation of The Ship Hotel.

“Our vision is to create a destination that honours the building's heritage while providing modern, luxurious amenities for our guests."

A spokesman added: “The Ship Hotel's renovation marks a significant investment in Leigh’s tourism infrastructure.

“Upon completion, it will offer visitors a perfect base to explore the area's attractions, potentially boosting local tourism and the economy.”