AMBITIOUS plans to renovate Leigh’s landmark Grand Hotel are being backed by residents and councillors.

The Grand, in Leigh Broadway, has been boarded up since it shut down in December 2008 Businessman Michael Nor-cross, star of hit TV show The Only Way is Essex and owner of the Sugar Hut club in Brentwood, has stepped in to buy the building.

His plans could it refurbished and turned into a boutique hotel with a spa.

Pat Holden, Leigh Town Council chairman, said: “It would be delightful to have it refurbished, especially if a hotel was put back in there. It is something we are lacking in Leigh.

“Another company applied before to turn the place into a hotel, but sadly that fell through.”

Southend Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said: “The plans from the group sound very good. If they are successful in their bid, I think this would enhance the Broadway.

“I would not have liked a nightclub there, as it would not have been right for the surrounding area, but a hotel sounds really good.”

Neighbours also supported the proposals.

David Leigh, 49, of Redcliff Drive, used to drink at the hotel before it closed down.

He said: “I think it will be great if it gets turned into a hotel.

“I have lived in this part of Leigh for six years and before the pub shut in 2008 I used to go there quite a lot to have a drink.

“I really enjoyed it in there even though it went downhill a bit towards the end, so to see it being used again will be great.”