352-home co-living scheme approved as part of Brent Cross Town

A co-living development at Brent Cross Town has received planning approval.

The 352-room scheme, developed by Halcyon Development Partners and DTZ Investors and designed by Assael Architecture and Assael Exteriors has been approved by Barnet Council.

The scheme will be operated by DTZ Investors’ co-living brand Folk and forms part of the wider Brent Cross Town regeneration, a 180-acre development led by Related Argent and Barnet Council that is expected to deliver 6,700 homes in total.

Communal areas on the ground and lower-ground levels are intended to accommodate a range of uses, including events. Other facilities within the building include a fully equipped gym, podcast studio and co-working spaces.

The upper floors include a spa adjoining a landscaped garden, a communal kitchen with an outdoor cooking area, and a sky garden.

Tim Chapman-Cavanagh, director at Assael Architecture, said: “The development combines our learnings and experience from operational developments, with real-time resident data and feedback.”

According to the architect, the design approach incorporates a number of sustainability measures, including a fabric-first energy strategy and connection to the district heat network.

The single building is articulated as three elements with the façades using varied brick tones and detailing.

>>See also: Co-living: Where does it go from here?

Ed Sharland, director at Assael Architecture, said: “This project is born out of a collaboration with those at the forefront of the co-living movement, building on a successful partnership that has already delivered two best in class co-living buildings and with the added benefit of Related Argent’s experience of delivering regenerated urban centres. We expect this building will raise the bar for co-living even higher.”

The project team includes Avison Young Project Management, Circle, DP9 Ltd, Arup, GIA, AKTII, OFR and Ramboll.