The future of Trent Park mansion will fall into the hands of a housing group, it has been confirmed.

The grade II-listed mansion, in Snakes Lane, Cockfosters, was sold by Middlesex University in August 2013 to Malaysia’s Allianze University College of Medical Sciences for £30.9 million along with surrounding buildings.

However, the university went into liquidation last May – leaving the site almost totally abandoned but for two security guards hired by the company.

Berkeley housing group is now primed to take over the site, which also includes former university accommodation.

Councillor Jason Charalambous set up the ‘Save Trent Park' campaign, which generated enough support in an online petition to trigger a debate with the council to try and save the mansion.

He said: “After years of uncertainty over the future of this enchanting and historic site, I welcome the prospect of much-needed investment to fully restore the historically important yet vulnerable heritage buildings and grounds at the heart of Trent Park.

“It is, however, of paramount importance that the new owners guarantee full and permanent public access to the listed mansion and surrounding grounds, and that the educational use of the site is maintained through, at the very least, a heritage centre within the mansion promoting the site's unique history.

“This unique site has the potential to become a nationally important historic and cultural attraction, and I trust that Enfield council will do all it can to encourage this in planning negotiations with the developers."

MP for Enfield Southgate David Burrowes, who helped set up he campaign, said: “What we need to do is to ensure that we secure the long-term future of Trent Park, guaranteeing a future which is fully acceptable and accessible to the public.”

A spokesman for the housing group said: “Berkeley can confirm that they have exchanged contracts with the administrators of Trent Park and are hoping to complete the acquisition of the site imminently. Berkeley are committed to working with the community and Enfield council to develop the most appropriate proposals.”