Press Release 04.01.2021

A landscape-led vision for one of the UK’s largest developments, Brent Cross Town

Gillespies has been appointed to deliver a comprehensive landscape strategy masterplan for Brent Cross Town as well as landscape and public realm design for several plots of this new 180-acre neighbourhood in North London, as part of Argent Related and Barnet Council’s ambitious plans to deliver a new park town for London.

Previously known as Brent Cross South, Brent Cross Town will deliver 6,700 new homes, 150,000 sq ft of indoor leisure and sport facilities, and 3m sqft of office space, set within a significant green landscape and enhanced public realm. It will also include three new local schools, student accommodation, as well as connections to King’s Cross in 12 minutes via the new Brent Cross West station, to be completed by the end of 2022.

Uniquely set within 50-acres of parks and playing fields, Brent Cross Town will establish a new standard for large-scale urban regeneration and ‘green city living’ in the Capital. The ambitious scheme will transform the area into a green, inclusive and accessible town centre that will evolve to support the changing demands of modern life.

Gillespies was appointed in early 2020 to undertake a review of the existing Brent Cross Town Landscape and Public Realm Masterplan and lead the creation of a comprehensive landscape framework that explores the relationship between town and nature, with an emphasis on linking a number of existing and new green open spaces together with new green links. Over time, this green network will provide vital pedestrian and cyclist connections, sport and play destinations, as well as corridors for wildlife to link into existing spaces such as Clitterhouse Playing Fields and the Welsh Harp Reservoir.

The practice is delivering a detailed Public Realm Design Guide for parts of Brent Cross Town, which will guide the current and future plot design teams to deliver the objectives of the landscape framework, as well as designing several large sections of improved streetscapes and a brand new public and community square, which will support the opening of the new Brent Cross West station and the first Brent Cross Town buildings.

The landscape and public spaces in Brent Cross Town will play a crucial part in mitigating the impacts of climate change, and will contribute to London’s green economic and Covid-19 recovery with sustainability, health and wellbeing and a powerful sense of community at their core.

Armel Mourgue, Partner at Gillespies, said “We are delighted to be part of the team that will transform this area of Barnet into a green and thriving town, putting our nature-led urbanism approach into practice. Recent events have demonstrated that the relationship we have with our open spaces and buildings is changing forever. Brent Cross Town will lead the way in challenging how new urban green open spaces in cities are created, reconnecting us with one another and the natural environment, restoring vitality, well-being and perhaps most importantly, joy in the places we share.”

Nick Searl, Partner of Argent Related and Joint-Lead for Brent Cross Town said, “We have a unique opportunity to create a new town for London which has 50-acres of parks and playing fields. The preservation and enhancement of this green space has never been more important and we know that access to the great outdoors is a major decision factor for people choosing where to live and work. We are pleased to be working with Gillespies to ensure Brent Cross Town is a place focused on nature and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.”

Early enabling infrastructure works for Brent Cross Town began in 2020. It is anticipated that the first phase of homes and offices will be occupied from 2024.