A Grade II-listed public library building could be turned into a university business school if plans are approved by councillors.

Barnet Council wants to move Hendon Public Library in The Burroughs to a new building across the road, claiming in a report this would “significantly improve” the service.

The existing building has been proposed as the location for the Middlesex University Business School.

Opened in 1929, Hendon Public Library holds more than 21,000 items for loan and reference and also houses the local studies centre.

But the council report says moving to a new building would “facilitate the provision of a broader and enhanced library offer” and give the library “enhanced visibility”.

The new public library would be located in a ground floor-building on the corner of Edgerton Gardens, which is currently used as the library and town hall car park.

According to the report, the existing building is too small to house the School Libraries Resources Service (SLRS), which holds 94,000 items and cannot be expanded.

If the move goes ahead, the SLRS could move to Mays Lane in High Barnet, as there would not be enough space for it in the new building.

The report says the council will carry out a “detailed consultation” on the plans with residents and library users.

If the proposals are approved, the council expects the existing library to be vacated in October next year. The new library is expected to be delivered in autumn or winter of 2023. In the interim period, a temporary library will be provided close to the existing site on the corner of The Burroughs and the A41.

Councillors will discuss the proposals at a meeting of the community leadership and libraries committee on Wednesday, which will be broadcast live over the internet from 7.30pm.

The Hendon Hub development programme, which includes the re-provision of Hendon Library, will be considered for approval by the policy and resources committee on December 8.