FORMER Towie star Mick Norcross claims he has finally signed the lease to the Grand Hotel, in Leigh.

Mr Norcross, who owns the Sugar Hut nightclub in Brentwood, tweeted yesterday he had finalised the deal, two years after negotiations began with the Spirit Pub Group.

Mr Norcross’s grand plans have hit several delays and the announcement has been greeted as an early Christmas present for Leigh.

Mr Norcross tweeted: “It’s official – after two years of hard work I’ve finally exchanged contracts on the Grand Hotel in Leigh.”

Later, he added: “Big thanks to my team for securing our next project, the Grand Hotel.”

Leigh Town Council chairman Caroline Parker was thrilled with the news.

She said: “What a fabulous Christmas present for all of Leigh.

“I passed there the other day and it’s looking totally neglected and unloved. I thought it was getting worse, so this is wonderful news.

“I’m so glad Mr Norcross hung on in there and I pass my congratulations and thanks on to him.

“I’m sure when it reopens it will be quite a party.”

It is expected work will begin in the new year and take up to 18 months. The most recent work to take place on site was the removal of Japanese knotweed in October and in November builders were on site at the hotel, in the Broadway, to carry out roof repairs and other maintenance works.

The landmark building will reopen as the Grand Boutique hotel complete with spa, restaurant, piano bar, 20 bedrooms and a bridal suite.

The development, given planning permission in August 2012, is expected to cost around £4.5million.