Renovation of Leigh-on-Sea’s Grand Hotel begins

Work has started to transform Leigh’s derelict Grand Hotel into a boutique hotel with a restaurant, lounge bar, tea rooms and a spa.

The landmark Victorian hotel was built in 1899 and became popular with locals in the 80’s as a live music venue. It was last open as a pub and music venue in 2008, before its former owners went into administration. The building has been boarded up ever since.

Due to a lack of maintenance taking place before the venue closed, the building has suffered from structural damage, water leaks and subsidence, amongst other issues.

Hoardings have now been erected around the site, with a waste skip delivered and workmen on site clearing out the building, giving locals a sense of excitement that the redevelopment work has finnally commenced.

The iconic building is said to have been close to falling into an irreversible state of disrepair until entreprener Michael Norcross announced his desire to rejuvenate the hotel.

Mr Norcross said: “We want to fully restore The Grand back to its original glory, with the addition of modern facilities expected by today’s discerning clientele.”

He added: “Our vision is for this beautiful building to be used by everyone throughout the community, enjoying quality food and drink and utilising the rooms for varying uses from art exhibitions to fashion shows.”

The redevelopment will consist of a restaurant and a piano lounge created on the ground floor. On the first floor, the function room and a private dining room will be fully refurbished.

The accommodation facilities will consist of seven suites, seven bedrooms and a bridal suite, all individually themed to a very high quality. There are also 20 car parking spaces included on the plans for the new Grand Hotel.

To achieve the boutique hotel experience, additional facilities will be created within a new spa, containing different treatment rooms as well as  a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and a plunge pool.

Mr Norcross said: “In making the decision to proceed with this project, I have had to think very deeply about the plans and with the finest of facilities, details, materials and services throughout, I can now confidently put forward my vision for the future – The Grand Boutique Hotel.”