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construction begins on the first office building at brent cross town

Construction has started on the first office building at Brent Cross Town, the 180-acre, £8bn mixed use park town development in North London which is being delivered by Related Argent in partnership with Barnet Council.

The building, 3 Copper Square, designed by shedkm, will provide 239,000ft2 of office space over 14 floors plus flexible retail space at ground level. It forms the cornerstone of a new business and innovation district that will extend to 3m ft2 and create workspace for up to 25,000 people – alongside the 6,700 new homes, student housing, homes for later living, a new high street, three schools and 50 acres of parks and playing fields that together make up the net zero park town.

The building is an innovative hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) and concrete structure with exposed timber soffits that soften the lighting and acoustics and connect the working environment to nature to provide inspiring, creative, flexible and collaborative workspaces. An expansive double height reception offers easy access from the station entrance and a striking penthouse with a double height vaulted roof provides views across North and Central London. The top of the building includes a range of private and communal terraces.

Alex Flint, Director at shedkm, said: “Our approach to the design for 3 Copper Square emphasises well-being and maximum connectivity for those within. Office spaces are flexible and large open floor plates allow for tailored fit-outs depending exactly on the specific needs of tenants. The generous space allowance, in combination with windows providing plentiful natural light and the warmth of exposed CLT used throughout, provides a healthy environment with strong ties to the natural world.”

Matt Flood, Head of Commercial Development at Related Argent, said: “The start of construction at 3 Copper Square marks a massive step forward in creating a new business and innovation district at Brent Cross Town. Brent Cross Town is an extraordinary opportunity to deliver a new neighbourhood founded on health and sustainability, where businesses can flourish. This inspiring new hybrid timber and concrete-framed building will provide expansive workspaces that energise and connect. With access to state-of-the-art sporting facilities, a vibrant new High Street and engaging public realm, Brent Cross Town is where talent will choose to be.”

Luke Desforges, Academic Director for Sheffield Hallam University in London, said: “We’re excited that construction has begun on the home for our new campus, where we will be the anchor tenant. Due to open for September 2026, it will provide an outstanding and dynamic learning environment, boasting modern facilities, where students will learn from academic experts to gain the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”

Start on site at 3 Copper Square follows the appointment of BAM Construction Ltd as the main contractor. Sheffield Hallam University is setting up its first university campus outside Yorkshire at Brent Cross Town and will be the anchor tenant. The University will occupy around 110,000ft2 across the lower six floors of the building. Sheffield Hallam has award-winning teaching, learning and research capabilities alongside an outstanding student offer. The University’s London campus will provide tailored support to help businesses to innovate, with access to sector expertise from academics and highly skilled graduates. It will also act as a conduit to strengthen links between South Yorkshire and London, creating new opportunities. 3 Copper Square is scheduled to open in Q3 2026.

The start of construction continues the strong progress being made at Brent Cross Town. Seven buildings are now underway, with the first residents moving into the town later this year. In total, over 930 homes, including affordable, market sale, and Build-to-Rent homes are on-site, along with 662 student rooms.