Fusion Group gets planning nod to expand Brent Cross Town PBSA

Fusion Group, in partnership with Cheyne Capital, has received planning approval for its second PBSA building at Brent Cross Town.

Brent Cross Town

The new mixed-use development by Related Argent and Barnet Council will offer 666 student rooms and is designed by PRP. It will feature extensive study areas, a digital competitive gaming zone, a health kitchen with a zero-waste shop, private dining, a yoga studio, a herb garden, and relaxation pods. Students will also benefit from its convenient location near the new High Street and Brent Cross West station, which offers quick access to Central London.
This marks another collaboration between Fusion, Cheyne, and Related Argent, following their first PBSA development at Brent Cross Town, which is set to open for the 2025/26 academic year. The first building also includes various amenities like a cinema, karaoke room, café, zero-waste shop, and e-sports arena, aiming to enhance the student experience and address the demand for quality student housing.
Both PBSA buildings at Brent Cross Town will be managed by Fusion's relaunched operating platform, aligning with their strategy to become a fully integrated developer, operator, and investment manager in the UK and European living sector.
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, stated: “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, commented: “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.”
Brent Cross Town, a massive 180-hectare development by Related Argent and Barnet Council, is rapidly progressing into a new park town and one of Europe's largest regeneration projects. A significant upcoming addition is Sheffield Hallam University's first London campus, set to open in 2026 across six floors of 3 Copper Square, the development's main office building.
Ultimately, Brent Cross Town will feature up to 6,700 new homes (including affordable, rental, and for-sale options); 3 million m2 of office space; a high street with shops and restaurants; three redeveloped schools; and 50 hectares of parks and playing fields.
The community is already forming, with four residential buildings (market-sale, build-to-rent, and social housing) completed, and 3,000 residents expected by the end of the year.