Brent Cross Town substation artwork unveiled

Brent Cross Town has revealed a new public work of art around the new Brent Cross Town electrical substation.

Called ‘Here we come, here we rise’, it was created by celebrated artist Lakwena in collaboration with architects IF_DO, and commissioned by Brent Cross Town. It consists of four undulating bands and triangular-shaped lenticular panels that create a kaleidoscopic visual effect to emphasise the idea of movement as viewers move around the structure. The structure is 52m long and 21m tall at its highest point.

The substation will supply electricity to all of Brent Cross Town, including the 6,700 new homes, 3 million sq ft of offices and new retail and leisure spaces. The project has also brought back to life a piece of brownfield, ex-industrial land with the creation of a newly landscaped embankment designed by Gillespies. Newly planted trees and wildflower meadow provide a naturalistic setting to the artwork. They will increase site biodiversity, enhance local wildlife corridors and tie in with the wider network of green infrastructure within the masterplan and surrounding area.

Associate Patrick Conn and Senior Landscape Architect Mariana Pinto represented Gillespies at the unveiling of the artwork. Armel Mourgue and Ellie Godfrey were also involved in the project

Brent Cross Town is the neighbourhood at the heart of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It is a joint venture between Related Argent and Barnet Council to develop a large-scale mixed-use development including new homes, retail and office space, as well as improved schools and greenspaces in the area. Early work started on site in early 2020 and construction is also under way on the new Brent Cross West station.

Images: credit John Sturrock