Joint venture partners Related Argent and Barnet Council have secured planning permission for a large scale, all-electric energy centre at Brent Cross Town.
Related and Barnet Council are partnering with Vattenfall to develop the main energy centre, which has secured backing of more than £14m from the government’s Green Heat Network Fund.
Once complete, the centre will be one of the largest of its kind in the UK, connecting 6,700 homes and more than 3m sq ft of offices, retail and leisure space.
The first phase of construction is due to begin later this year, delivering heat, hot water and cooling to customers in 2027. The centre will be fully complete in 2032.
Morwenna Hall, executive director and COO of Related Argent, said: “This is a significant moment in London’s journey to becoming net zero and we are proud to be delivering a town that will meet the needs of future generations of Londoners. Critical infrastructure, like the main energy centre, is an integral consideration when designing new towns and developments and must not be delivered in isolation. We need to see more private and public partnerships working together to deliver sustainable, innovative solutions that can unlock future economic growth and housing provision.”
Alina Gheorghiu-Currie, director of Vattenfall – London, added: “This is a really exciting moment for Brent Cross Town. Together with Related Argent and Barnet Council, we’re proving that communities don’t have to choose between comfort and sustainability. They can have both. This energy centre will make everyday life better for thousands of people, while also showing how growth in London can be achieved without compromising sustainability.”
Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “The impressive main energy centre and vast heat network planned at Brent Cross Town is fundamental to our plans to develop a net zero carbon neighbourhood helping to cut emissions and create a sustainable environment. The approved designs are industry leading and will bring one of the largest fully electric main energy centres in Europe to Barnet.”
Ken Hunnisett, programme director for the Green Heat Network Fund, added: “We are delighted to have helped Barnet Council and Related Argent move one step closer to providing 6,700 new homes with low carbon heating and cooling through GHNF support. As the Brent Cross Town heat network nears its construction phase, we are looking forward to seeing how the project progresses.
“Affordable low carbon heat is now within reach in North London, while the project also supports local long-term green job in the sector. The project is a shining example of how heat networks will decarbonise densely populated areas across the country, and we’re delighted to be delivering the financial stimulus that will see them fulfil their potential as a cornerstone of the UK’s energy transition.”
