An historic school building in Tyldesley is to be demolished to make way for a housing development.

Wigan Council has given the go-ahead for the 100-year-old former Kingshill Special School in Elliott Street to be knocked down and 12 bungalows to be built by Redwaters, based in Astley. The school lies within the Tyldesley Conservation area, and Redwaters said conservationists hoped to save it claiming it was a “substantial building of local interest”. The company added that some local councillors and residents said the empty school was an eyesore, and are pleased new life is being breathed into the area.

The school was built in 1912 as The Board School and later renamed as Tyldesley County Primary School. It went on to teach children with emotional and behavioural problems, and closed four years ago.

Redwaters director Sean McCaul said he was thrilled the site was to be transformed, and felt confident Tyldesley residents would approve of the new development. He said: “We have used a local architect, who has come up with a very attractive scheme for the site.

“It will consist of 10 semi-detached two-bedroomed bungalows and two detached ones in landscaped gardens. It will be a gated development. We hope to start work next month and be finished by summer 2013.”

Mr McCaul said the one question he kept being asked was – why bungalows?

He said: “Bungalows are now the most sought-after properties in the UK, and are popular not just with the elderly or those with limited mobility, but singles and couples in their 40s and 50s who are looking to downsize.”

He claims developers stopped building bungalows because land got too expensive, but since the market took a downturn and land has become more affordable, more were being built.

He added: “I think people are slowly turning away from apartment living, and want something that’s still easy living but with a garden.

“Bungalows fit the bill perfectly. One-storey homes are ideal for modern lifestyles and hold their value well. We expect the Tyldesley ones to be in demand. If they are we plan to build more in the area.”

The bungalows start at around £139,950. Anyone who would like more details can contact Redwaters on 01942 877600 or visit redwaters.co.uk.