Leigh The Grand: Construction of development at landmark site

Developer 460 Leisure is behind the huge proposals for the former Grand Hotel, The Broadway, Leigh - which was owned by the late TV star and businessman Mick Norcross.

Scaffolding - some of the work on the site

In a exclusive interview with the Echo bosses revealed works are ahead of schedule.

Concrete has now been poured into the basement and doors and windows are in the existing building.

Excavation - the basement works

The firm bosses said the roof is now complete and the building is now water tight, with workers set to focus on the interior mechanical and electrical systems and interior walls next.

All the ceilings and floors are also complete now and the developer bosses also revealed how the whole development is set to be finished by June or July next year.

Project - the scaffolding and machinery on the site

Mr Norcross who came up with the idea of the project, who was found dead at his home in January.

The site dates right back to 1899 when it was known as The Family and Commercial Hotel.

The developer also told the Echo about the impact of the Covid pandemic on the project.

Striking - some of the original architecture being restored

A spokesman said: "“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.”

Other roofing works include reconstruction of the original Dutch Gable and Chimney stack.