'Coronation Street' set to become English Heritage site?

The current Coronation Street set could be preserved as a historic monument, it has been revealed.

The Granada Studios set, including the Rovers Return and the Kabin, is apparently close to being listed by English Heritage and turned into a tourist ­attraction, the Sunday Mirror reports.

Filming of Coronation Street is being relocated to the new MediaCityUK complex at Salford Quays this year after being approved by Trafford Council.

An English Heritage source said: "There's a really good chance it will be granted listed status in April. It's a truly iconic place that millions have grown up with, and a lot of historic TV moments have happened there. It would be perfect sense to turn it into a tourist attraction."

The present outdoor set was built in 1982 and ­attracted half a million visitors a year on public tours of Granada Studios until 1999.

A brand new set will be built at MediaCityUK and the old site will be sold for development, but it can't be knocked down if it is granted English Heritage status.

An ITV spokesman said: "We are aware of the listing application."