Brent Cross Town, the £8bn mixed use park town for London being delivered in partnership between Related Argent and Barnet Council, has been awarded global WiredScore and SmartScore Neighbourhood status, confirming the town meets world-leading technology standards.
Brent Cross Town is the first place in Europe to achieve both WiredScore and SmartScore Neighbourhood certifications and keeps company with nine other projects around the world, including Water Street Tampa, Florida, New England’s Cambridge Crossing and America’s largest mixed-use private real estate development, Hudson Yards in Manhattan, developed by Related Argent’s US partner, Related Companies.
WiredScore is the only global certification body for technology in real estate. WiredScore and SmartScore ratings measure connectivity across a range of factors that include fast and reliable internet that ensures seamless communications between buildings, zones, and residential and commercial spaces; increased technological resilience and productivity; improved human and digital connections; robust data privacy and cybersecurity measures; and the quality of the technology experience for workers, residents and visitors.
Early examples of market-leading technology implementations at Brent Cross Town include:
- Providing ultrafast internet to every home and free Wi-Fi in public squares.
- Delivering a mobility strategy that will incorporate both established and emerging technologies including e-bikes and potential for passenger air taxi vertiports.
- Introducing sensors that monitor the environmental conditions of the public realm such as air quality to support healthy living and community flourishing.
- Using Smart Building technologies to enhance the energy efficiency of office buildings.
Digital technology is at the centre of 21st-century life and has become essential to our ability to live and work efficiently, from enabling communication with people from around the world, to enhancing the energy efficiency of our buildings and integrating the latest technologies as they come forward. These certifications enable those who visit, live, work, and study in Brent Cross Town to feel confident the spaces they are using are at the forefront of technology-enabled, future-proofed experiences.
Matt Flood, Head of Commercial Development at Related Argent, says: “Providing great connections, whether physical, social or digital, is a core pillar of our vision for Brent Cross Town and fundamental to creating a net zero town in which all can flourish. Being the first place in Europe to achieve both WiredScore and SmartScore Neighbourhood certifications demonstrates that Brent Cross Town is at the cutting edge of digital connectivity and smart city technology. This is a long-term partnership, which means Brent Cross Town can stay ahead of the game and at the forefront of the rapidly changing technological landscape.”
William Newton, CEO at WiredScore, added: “WiredScore and SmartScore certifications signify technological excellence in real estate. Brent Cross Town’s achievement of both certifications is testament to Related Argent’s forward-thinking approach to regeneration. Related Argent’s accomplishment underscores their commitment to a district-level technology strategy that fosters sustainable behaviours and ensures that future residents, commercial occupiers and visitors to Brent Cross Town feel connected, safe and inspired. We take great pride in certifying communities like Brent Cross Town that are designed for people to flourish in a digital age.”
Brent Cross Town is a 15-year regeneration project which when complete will comprise 6,700 new homes, workspace for 25,000 people in a 3m sq ft business and innovation district, a new high street, leisure spaces and more than 50 acres of parks and playing fields. As construction progresses, the individual buildings at Brent Cross Town are being designed to WiredScore and SmartScore certification standards.
By partnering with WiredScore, Brent Cross Town is ensuring that the technology and digital solutions deployed directly contribute to its four pledges – to be the place in London for participation in sport and play; a net zero carbon town; to strengthen connections; and to be a town where all can flourish.
The achievement of WiredScore and SmartScore Neighbourhood status underlines the strong progress being made at Brent Cross Town. Seven buildings are now under construction, with the first residents moving into the town later this year. The first office building, 3 Copper Square, is underway and will be completed in 2026. In total, over 930 homes, including affordable, market sale, and rental homes are on-site, along with 662 student rooms in partnership with Fusion Students. The first permanent public park, Claremont Park, opened in June 2022 and Brent Cross West mainline station, which opened in December 2023, connects with St Pancras International in as little as 12 minutes. Brent Cross Town already boasts a selection of local retail and leisure offerings, and Sheffield Hallam University will open its first campus outside Sheffield at Brent Cross Town.