Fusion Group has received planning permission for its second purpose-built student accommodation building in Brent Cross Town, the 180-acre, £8bn mixed-use town development by Related Argent and Barnet Council.
The development, a joint venture with global alternative investment manager Cheyne Capital, will deliver 666 student rooms.
Designed by architects PRP, it will include study areas, a digital competitive gaming zone where residents can play virtual sports including football, padel and tennis, as well as a kitchen that includes a zero-waste shop, private dining, yoga studio, herb garden and relaxation pods.
Planning permission comes as Fusion and Cheyne’s first PBSA development at Brent Cross Town, created through a similar collaboration with Related Argent in 2022, welcomes students for the start of the 2025/26 academic year.
Nigel Henry, chief executive of Fusion Group, said: “Our developments in Brent Cross Town and the neighbourhood as a whole are designed to enhance residents’ wellbeing and provide an exceptional community living experience – a reflection of the shared vision between Fusion, Cheyne and Related Argent. As we continue to grow our pipeline across the living sectors, particularly in progressive masterplanned regenerations, we’re eager to explore partnership opportunities and build upon those we already have.”
Oli Rifkind, executive director at Related Argent, said: “We are delighted to be advancing another student accommodation building at Brent Cross Town. This is a significant step forward, contributing to our vision of creating a vibrant and inclusive community that caters to diverse living needs. We recognise that providing high-quality student accommodation is essential to enriching our developments, and we continue to enjoy working with the Fusion team while exploring new collaborative opportunities in the future.”
Hamish Gordon, director in Cheyne Capital’s real estate group, said: “We continue to have strong conviction that the UK’s student housing market offers compelling investment opportunities and are confident that, with our partners Fusion and Related Argent, we can apply our sector expertise to deliver a premium development that will benefit students and enhance Brent Cross Town.”
Ross Houston, Barnet Council cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said: “Our outstanding education offer across Barnet attracts many students to live and study in the borough and offering first-class accommodation is equally important. With the opening of our first Fusion homes, these students will contribute to the vibrancy of our mixed-use new neighbourhood, and I look forward to welcoming them here.”
Image © PRP
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