Astir, the London living sector developer, has outlined its plans for one of London's biggest regeneration projects after being granted planning permission to bring forward a major mixed-use scheme at Brent Cross West.

The scheme, which will include 844 student beds across 28 storeys at Geron Way - next to the new Brent Cross West Station, was given unanimous backing by Barnet Borough Council's Planning Committee in November. Astir acquired the site in October 2023, submitted planning in July 2024.

The development is sited very close to the new Sheffield Hallam University Campus, which is set to open in Autumn 2026 in Brent Cross Town, one of the largest regeneration projects in London.

Percy Mullany of Astir said: "This is a significant scheme of 28 storeys, with a range of complex planning issues that needed resolving, but it demonstrates how efficient the process can be when a local planning authority plans for growth effectively, resource their planning teams properly and have the right approach to engagement with developers. It has been a pleasure to work with the planning Team at London Borough of Barnet."

placeholder image — How the scheme will look

The proposed development will ease the pressures on local housing across the area and enable greater access for students to good quality, purpose-built accommodation to support their studies in a way that facilitates sustainable land use planning, as well as fostering the wider regeneration of the area.

It will also create 321 jobs a year over the construction period, with 82 full-time equivalent jobs once operational.

Percy added: "Astir is committed to Brent Cross – we will build and retain the scheme, investing over the long term with the new development acting as a catalyst for positive change in the area.

"The scheme also demonstrates the ambition we have at Astir and we are actively pursuing opportunities across London to increase our development pipeline and would welcome a discussion with any interested landowners or investors who may have a development proposal."

Editor's notes:Astir is developer, owner and manager of multi-tenure places aspiring to transform the living sectors in the UK. Its vision is for mixed use multi tenure developments at scale, that are designed, built and operated in a highly sustainable way.

With more than 100 years of combined residential development experience having been involved in the delivery of many of the capital’s most notable large scale residential developments and regeneration schemes. Astir’s vision, “Making Living Better” underpins the delivery of high-quality homes in exceptional places across London.