A former nursing home which has stood empty for several years could be put to new use, its owners have announced.

NHS Property Services Ltd took on the derelict Marie Foster site in Wood Street, High Barnet, when it was established in April 2013, and has said it is keen to redevelop the site to benefit the community.

North London Estate Partnerships has been appointed to carry out a feasibility study  that will look into all the potential options for the site, including housing and healthcare provision.

The study will also discuss whether to retain or demolish the current buildings on the site which houses a disused three-storey nursing home and single-storey former inpatient unit.

Tony Griffiths, NHS Property Services regional director for London, said: “One of our company’s clear priorities is to identify surplus sites and dispose of them in a way that achieves best value for local people, the taxpayer and the NHS.

“It is too early to say how the Marie Foster site will be redeveloped, but we look forward to seeing the options North London Estate Partnerships comes back to us with following the feasibility study.

“This site has stood empty since 2011, and we know local people are as committed as we are to seeing it put to good use, whether that is for healthcare, housing, or other appropriate development options.”

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has welcomed the news that there is potential for the site to be used to improve healthcare provision in the area.

She said: “It is regrettable that the property has been unused for so long and I have urged NHS Property Services to press ahead with a decision on what it will be used for.

"I will keep up the pressure to see the Marie Foster Home site used appropriately in a way which is in keeping with the historic surrounding area in High Barnet.”