Related Argent and Barnet Council partners with Fusion to deliver a new £210m (GDV) purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme at its Brent Cross Town development in the new north London neighbourhood. The Fusion at Brent Cross Town PBSA scheme is Fusion’s first development in London. The student accommodation brand creates positive spaces to inspire its student residents, and has already successfully launched nine schemes across the UK offering over 3,500 beds.
The site has been acquired by a joint venture between Fusion and Cheyne Capital, a leading real estate debt and equity investor – and has planning consent for student accommodation.
“We are thrilled to be working with Fusion and Cheyne Capital and to secure the provision for student accommodation at Brent Cross Town. Fusion represents the best in student accommodations and their commitment to quality of life is aligned with the ethos of Brent Cross Town. The arrival of the student community will be a crucial component in supporting all-day activity from the outset of the development and will enhance the neighbourhood.”
Andre Gibbs, Partner of Related Argent
Fusion at Brent Cross Town will be one of first buildings to complete at the 180-acre, £7bn Brent Cross Town development, which will also deliver affordable, residential for sale and Build to Rent homes, as well as office, retail and leisure space. The PBSA scheme is expected to welcome residents in time for the 2024/2025 academic year.
“By design Brent Cross Town will be a place for everyone with a mix of accommodation to provide for young, old, families and the business community, a mix that will contribute to a dynamic and thriving community. We are delighted to work with Fusion on this accommodation which will provide a first-class experience for students that want to live in Barnet.”
Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council
Designed by Glenn Howells Architects, the Fusion at Brent Cross Town building will provide three connected blocks ranging from nine to 22 storeys. The three distinct forms of the buildings are expressed individually with varying heights, tones and materials, while remaining as a collection that will complement the attractive, diverse townscape setting of Brent Cross Town.
The PBSA scheme will deliver 662 private student rooms of different sizes and types. An extensive mix of amenities include a dramatic multi-purpose tiered event space, coffee shop and zero-waste shop, a social lounge, cinema room, e-sports arena, KTV karaoke room, group study lounges and private study rooms. Fitness and wellbeing amenities include an onsite gym, yoga studio, basketball court, wellness studio and an external terrace. The building will also include two flexible commercial units on the ground floor.
“It is incredibly exciting for us to take the Fusion brand into London for the first time. We’re confident that the brand-new Brent Cross Town will make the perfect host thanks to its ambitious neighbourhood plans and inspiring vision. Our design for Fusion at Brent Cross Town reflects our commitment to creating positive living spaces that enrich and inspire whoever lives within them. We are developing an environment that will make you feel optimistic about your own potential and carve out experiences that give students opportunities for the future. We look forward to welcoming a whole new student community to this exciting area and watching it flourish for many years to come.”
Ben Henry, Head of Acquisitions, Fusion
Brent Cross Town has been designed to be a ‘15-minute town’. Student residents will benefit from new shops, restaurants, amenities and leisure facilities, as well as 50 acres of green parks and playing fields all accessible within a 15-minute walk.
As well as supporting thriving urban lifestyles, Brent Cross Town also offers exceptional connectivity to universities across north London and in central London. The new Brent Cross West Thameslink Station, which completes in December 2022, will connect to King’s Cross via London St Pancras Station in 12 minutes.
“Student accommodation continues to be a resilient asset class and one in which we have considerable experience working, providing high-quality, purpose-built facilities for students across Europe. We are pleased to be furthering our partnership with Fusion to deliver this new development, which will be our sixth project together.”
Arron Taggart, Head of UK Investment, Cheyne Real Estate
