Demolition begins on Isle of Man school building

Demolition work has begun on a former secondary school building in the centre of Douglas on the Isle of Man.

Park Road school closed last July and will be demolished in a project lasting about 12 weeks.

The school, which first opened its doors in 1894, has been replaced by a £34m school in Onchan.

Bemahague School, which houses 700 students from years seven to nine, opened in September after the project was given Tynwald approval in 2009.

A government spokesman said that during the demolition work there would be some road closures in the area of Park Road and Bathurst Street.

Social care minister Chris Robertshaw said he hoped to see the area redeveloped.

He added: "There is a need for affordable housing and this predominantly residential area is ideal for such a project and we are currently reviewing proposals for the site as a priority.

"Naturally, any proposals will be subject to public consultation and will require formal planning approval."