One of the borough's best-known historical landmarks could change forever after Barnet Council confirmed it may vacate Friern Barnet Town Hall early next year.

The locally listed building has been an integral part of the borough's heritage since it was built in 1939 to a design by John Brown and Henson. But it will be bereft of council staff should a proposed move go ahead to the current Nortel telecommunications site in Oakleigh Road South, New Southgate.

Friern Barnet Councillor, Brian Salinger, said: "The council is currently negotiating for alternative office space on the Nortel site and if they move in there a good number of staff will be moved out. Friern Barnet Town Hall is one site which may be vacated."

As the town hall has listed status it cannot be demolished and rumours are rife the prominent offices could be turned into a hotel. Speculation is also mounting on the future of the council's day centre which is attached to the town hall and provides a valuable service to the people of Friern Barnet.

However, Alan Williams, leader of Barnet Council, scotched reports of "rumours" and insisted the relocation was common knowledge. He said: "We have launched a green paper for public consultation and part of the content is saying 'Is it right the council is concentrated in three large buildings around the borough?.

"It's very clearly stated the council is examining whether we should stay at Barnet House or Friern Barnet Town Hall. We are in discussions with Nortel about the temporary use of some of their surplus office space for our back-room services."

John Donovan, secretary for the Friern Barnet & District Local History Society, which meets in the old fire station next to the town hall, said: "The town hall is a well loved historical landmark in Friern Barnet. We would not like to see the building demolished or the fabric damaged."

November 28, 2001 20:12

KEVIN BURCHALL