A deal has been completed with a housing developer to convert Southgate town hall into flats.

The historic old town hall has been sold to Hollybrook Homes for £2million.

The hall will be redeveloped, with a housing block behind it. A total of 37 flats will be created, with work expected begin this month.

There will be a combination of one, two and three-bedroom private and affordable flats built.

Palmers Green Library, which is attached to the building, will be completely refurbished and additional space is also being created on the lower ground floors.

The redevelopment did come up against considerable opposition who believed there would be an “invasion of privacy” from the new flats.

Some in the area also hoped to see a school in the space as opposed to housing.

Councillor Andrew Stafford, Enfield Borough Council's cabinet member for finance, said: “I am absolutely delighted this week to see the final completion and sale of Southgate Town Hall to Hollybrook Homes Ltd. This means at last we can start refurbishing this local landmark to provide urgently needed housing, a more modern library and other complementary facilities.”

Cllr Ayfer Orhan, cabinet member for education, children’s services and protection, said: “Palmers Green has always been a very popular library with local residents, and now thanks to this investment it will continue to be a fantastic local asset.

“It’s also great news that the facilities will be brought up to date with bright areas; comfortable furnishings; a huge range of books, DVDs and CDs; computers, internet and free Wi-Fi. I am really looking forward to seeing it finished.”