TOWIE star acquires hotel
The Only Way is Essex Star Michael Norcross has acquired the lease of the Grand Hotel, Leigh-on-Sea and plans to turn the 16-bedroom venue into a plush boutique hotel and restaurant.
Norcross, who also owns Essex nightspot Sugar Hut and plays "Mick" in the series, yesterday struck the deal with Spirit Pub Company for an undisclosed sum.
He has obtained planning permission to transform the dilapidated property, which has been closed since 2008, into a venue that can be used to host weddings and offer "quality food and drink".
A spokesperson for leisure property specialists Fleurets, which handled the deal, said it was too early to say when the new venue would open or how many rooms it would have, however Norcross confirmed his intention to use local suppliers and local produce.
The constructed reality TV star and businessman said he had "long admired" the Victorian building and "dreamed of rejuvenating it to reflect the original architecture".
"It has been my desire to bring the quality West End hotel experience to Essex and I see this building and its location as the perfect opportunity to achieve my dream," he said.
"My vision is for this classical building to be used by everyone throughout the community, enjoying quality food and drink and utilising it for various events from weddings and family celebrations to art exhibitions, fashion shows and anything else which would usefully serve the region."