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UK: Developer Fusion Group, in partnership with Cheyne Capital and Related Argent, has secured planning permission for its second purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at Brent Cross Town.
The £8 billion, 180-acre mixed-use regeneration project in north London, which acquired last month, will deliver 666 student rooms designed by PRP architects, featuring dedicated study areas, a competitive digital gaming zone, a health kitchen with a zero-waste shop, private dining facilities, yoga studio, herb garden, and relaxation pods.
This second PBSA follows the opening of Fusion and Cheyne’s first development at Brent Cross Town, which opened to students this academic year.
The PBSA will be operated by Fusion’s relaunched platform, with Related Argent and Barnet Council continuing to deliver the wider regeneration.
Brent Cross Town will ultimately provide 6,700 new homes, 3 million square feet of office space, new schools, 50 acres of parks, and Sheffield Hallam University’s first London campus opening in 2026.
Nigel Henry, CEO 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 of 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.”
Councillor 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.”
Highlights
- Fusion, Cheyne Capital, and Related Argent secured planning for a second PBSA at Brent Cross Town.
- The £8 billion regeneration project will deliver 666 student rooms with lifestyle and wellness amenities.
- This follows the opening of Fusion and Cheyne’s first PBSA at Brent Cross Town in 2025.
