Hammerson and Standard Life reveal latest Brent Cross plans

Hammerson and Standard Life have revealed updated plans for their £1.4bn redevelopment of Brent Cross shopping centre, NW4, ahead of a public consultation. The scheme is part of a larger £4.5bn regeneration plan for Brent Cross and Cricklewood, for which Hammerson and Standard Life Investments already have outline planning consent, granted in 2010. Plans include more than 200 shops, 40 restaurants, a cinema and a hotel. John Lewis and Fenwick will be retained as anchor tenants and there will be a new shop built for Marks & Spencer. All three were part of the original Brent Cross when it opened in 1976. Brent Cross London will also benefit from an enhanced Sturgess Park, a main town square and riverside landscaping delivering new pedestrian routes. A new living bridge and a green landscaped boulevard will span the North Circular creating a walkway from Brent Cross London to the wider regeneration taking place to the south of Brent Cross London for the first time. The southern element of the wider regeneration plan, which includes almost 6,700 homes, new parks, offices, and community facilities, is being delivered by a joint venture between Argent Related and Barnet Council. As part of the detailed design process Hammerson and Standard Life Investments want to understand what shoppers and the local community love about Brent Cross and how the transformed centre can continue to capture its iconic London heritage. Following feedback, the detailed planning application will be submitted to the London Borough of Barnet in spring 2017. The public consultation will run from 3-8 November. Peter Cole, chief investment officer at Hammerson, said: “Brent Cross has been an iconic part of retail in London and the local community for 40 years. The challenge we have set the design team is to create a destination for the best global brands and experiences and at the same time still retain Brent Cross’ distinctive character and personal touch.” James Stevens, head of UK development at Standard Life Investments, said: “Our plans for Brent Cross London are exciting and ambitious. We really welcome feedback as this is a major investment and we want to make the most of the opportunity to enhance one of London’s best-loved shopping destinations.” Richard Cornelius, leader of Barnet Council, said: “Brent Cross London forms a vital part of our regeneration scheme which will see this part of London become a thriving new neighbourhood. “The scheme already has outline planning consent and I am confident that the new shopping centre, along with the new station and the development to the south of the A406, will breathe new life into this area as well as creating thousands of new jobs.” • To send feedback, e-mail amber.rolt@estatesgazette.com or tweet @amberrolt or @estatesgazette