Mel C has splashed out a staggering £1.5 million on a flat.  The plush
penthouse is in a former hospital complex on the outskirts of London's
trendy Hampstead village.

The Mount Vernon development is in one of the most sought-after areas
of the capital, a stone's throw from a host of celebrities including
Noel Gallagher, Sean Bean and Boy George.

A source told Bizarre: "Most people thought it was strange that Mel
wanted to buy a flat in a busy complex.  Most stars like to buy houses
set in acres of land surrounded by huge walls to keep away prying eyes.
But as soon as Mel saw the flat she fell in love with the incredible
views of North London and nothing else seemed to matter."

Sporty Spice's three-bedroomed flat boasts a massive lounge with
stunning views over Hampstead Heath.  The kitchen is fitted with state-
of-the-art time-saving gadgets and the fixtures are finished in ultra-
modern chrome.  All bedrooms come kitted out with king-size beds.

The Mount Vernon buildings are listed and once housed a research
hospital for University College.  The complex and its beautifully
manicured grounds are fitted with the latest closed-circuit television
security systems to keep out unwanted guests.

Mel will have to fork out more than £7,000 a year for her share of the
upkeep of the grounds and the historic house.  And her accountant has
more to worry about - it will cost the Spice Girl a cool £25,000 if she
wants to buy a parking space for her shiny new BMW.

Multi-millionaire Mel hired a team of property agents to hunt for a
dream home while she was touring America with the Spice Girls.  She
already has a £200,000 flat in Liverpool's trendy Albert Dock, so she
has somewhere to stay when so goes to watch her beloved Reds play at
Anfield.  Mel moved there after leaving the modest terraced home in
Widnes, Cheshire, shared by her mum Joan and stepfather Dennis O'Neil.