The building formerly occupied by a York private school closed five years ago is up for sale again.

Some parents were so angry when they heard about the closure plans for the York College for Girls that they barricaded the head teacher and two other teachers in the building which is only yards away from York Minster.

Now the building, in Petergate, has been put back on the market by owners Sir John Fitzgerald Ltd, with a price tag of about £2 million. The sale will be handled by DTZ Debenham Tie Leung

The deal opens up hugely profitable possibilities for use of the listed Georgian building - as long as any buyer can shake off the planning listing for "education purposes only."

If the premises can be converted into luxury flats or offices on what is prime land in central York - any buyer stands to make a killing.

Growing demand for flats in the city centre has recently boosted the price of land alone to about £1 million an acre.

Back in October 1996 more than 40 pupils and parents gathered on the steps to protest against closure of the £1,600-a-term school by the then owners, The Church School Company, barricading head teacher Erica Taylor and two other senior teachers in the building. Falling numbers had been blamed for the closure.

Two years later the empty three-storey building was bought by Sir John Fitzgerald Ltd, which deals mainly with north-eastern pubs and hotels. At the time the Grade II* property was judged to be worth about £1.5 million.

But in the three years since, the owner has never formally submitted a planning application for change of use of the empty school which is still earmarked officially for education purposes.

David Horgan, head of Sir John Fitzgerald Ltd, said: "It is our policy not to talk to the press."

Jamie Wheldon, of DTZ, said: "The intention when they bought it was to redevelop the property and trade from part of it, but they have not done that because of other commitments and decided instead to put it on the market."

He added: "The freehold will be sold by private treaty and we expect huge interest for conversion into offices, housing or even for education purposes by local, regional, and international developers or occupiers."

Jonathan Carr, planning officer for the city centre, said: "We need to measure any proposal for the site against needs."

Updated: 11:53 Tuesday, June 26, 2001