The former Littlemoor Primary School at Rawdon, which has stood idle since being closed two years ago, is to be given a Hollywood-style makeover by international TV fashion designer Ben de Lisi.

American-born Mr De Lisi, whose creations have been worn by celebrity actresses Kate Winslet, Liz Hurley and Rachel Weisz, is joining forces with Harrogate-based developer Avenir Properties to convert the redundant school into eight elegant town houses.

Being built alongside the Victorian school building – which to the delight of local residents and former pupils is being retained – are 14 two and three-bedroom apartments.

Work on the project, which will be known as Park Place and Park Square, begins later this month and is due for completion by the end of spring next year.

Avenir Properties' sales manager Amanda Brayshaw said: "This will be our second collaboration with Ben, and we are extremely excited to have the opportunity of drawing upon his natural flair for interior design once again.

"With Ben's inspirational touches we are aiming to create something special with Littlemoor School.

"The original Victorian school building is going to be kept and this has been particularly well received by local residents and former pupils.

Each apartment and town house will feature Mr De Lisi's own-brand bathrooms and kitchens.

The designer and the company have teamed up previously in developing The Place, off Harrogate Road, in Alwoodley.