Alumni of the historic former Finchley County Grammar School are alarmed about the imminent sale of the 98-year-old Victorian building to cover Barnet Council's move to Nortel Networks.

The Professional Development Centre in High Road, North Finchley, began life as the school in 1904.

It is one of ten buildings the council has earmarked for sale to pay for the £6 million move of staff to the Nortel site in Oakleigh Road South, New Southgate.

Councillors have been urged to make recommendations to English Heritage against an anticipated campaign to get the school listed which, if successful, would reduce its disposal value.

The most lucrative use of the site would be housing.

Elizabeth Gordon Smith, 76, of East End Road, East Finchley, attended the school between 1939 and 1943 and is a member of the Old Fincunians Association.

She said: "The property is very well used, not least by us at our meetings.

"It would be such a shame to see it go."

The building houses a war memorial, painted by an old art master at the school, which is dedicated to the memory of scholars who died in both World Wars.

Norman Burgess, 80, another Old Fincunian, of Vines Avenue, Finchley, has already applied to have the building listed.

He said: "It's just monstrous.

"Details of the scholars would be lost if the building is sold and demolished."

The sale of the ten buildings, which also include Friern Barnet Town Hall, which was listed just three months ago, was approved at the council's cabinet meeting on Monday.

Councillor Anthony Finn, cabinet member for resources, said the war memorial would be treated with great respect.

Councillor Mike Freer added: "Listing always has an impact on the potential redevelopment value.

"But I don't think the building itself is of any particular merit."

October 16, 2002 18:30