Brent Cross Town | London

Brent Cross Town, delivered by urban regeneration and placemaking specialists Related Argent in partnership with the London Borough of Barnet, is set to become one of London’s most significant new neighbourhoods. Spanning 50 acres of green space and playing fields, this ambitious development will provide nearly 7,000 new homes, retail spaces, restaurants, and leisure facilities, as well as three redeveloped schools.

From the outset, lighting design has been a cornerstone of Brent Cross Town’s transformation, shaping the atmosphere and enhancing the public realm. Michael Grubb Studio was appointed to create the sitewide Lighting Masterplan, establishing a holistic approach that would inform the identity and experience of the development.

Public Realm Lighting: A Cohesive and Human-Centred Approach

Building on the initial masterplan, Michael Grubb Studio was commissioned to deliver lighting designs for six key public spaces, including Railway Street, High Street, Claremont Way, Claremont Park, and Neighbourhood Square. These prominent locations serve as vital connectors within Brent Cross Town, requiring a careful balance between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

By employing a layered lighting approach, the designs enhance safety, create inviting and dynamic spaces, and support both daytime and nighttime activities. Thoughtful illumination extends beyond simple visibility, fostering a sense of place and community while minimising light pollution and energy consumption.

Architectural Lighting Design: Creating Distinctive Spaces

As Brent Cross Town continues to evolve, Michael Grubb Studio has expanded its role, applying its expertise in architectural lighting design to high-end residential and commercial plots. This work encompasses both exterior and interior schemes, bringing refined and sophisticated lighting solutions to communal spaces such as receptions, lobbies, roof terraces, swimming pools, gyms, and meeting areas.

The lighting design for these spaces considers not only form and function but also human experience — how light interacts with materials, enhances architectural features, and contributes to a sense of comfort and belonging. By seamlessly integrating lighting with the overall design vision, these spaces are transformed into warm, welcoming environments that support a range of activities.

Through continued consultation and expertise, the studio has ensured that lighting remains an integral part of the development’s character, seamlessly integrating with architecture, landscape design, and urban planning.

The Lighting Vision: Enhancing Well-being and Experience

At its heart, Brent Cross Town aspires to be a thriving, inclusive community — one that welcomes both new and existing residents, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. Michael Grubb Studio’s lighting design supports this vision by prioritising human-centric solutions that enhance both the practical and emotional qualities of the environment.

Guided by the belief that light profoundly influences well-being, the lighting strategy for Brent Cross Town introduces carefully composed layers of illumination. This approach ensures that spaces feel warm and inviting, supporting relaxation while also inspiring moments of activity and play. The lighting creates distinct moods and experiences, transforming streets, parks, and communal areas into places that feel safe, vibrant, and alive at all hours.

By seamlessly integrating technical expertise with creative vision, Michael Grubb Studio continues to shape Brent Cross Town into a beacon of thoughtful, sustainable lighting design — one that enhances the built environment while enriching the lives of those who call it home.

Illuminating Infrastructure: Brent Cross Town Substation

One of the most recent milestones in the project is the completion of the new Brent Cross Town Substation. As part of this ambitious regeneration, the existing Brent Cross Town electricity substation has been reimagined as a large-scale public artwork. The design, conceived by London-based artist Lakwena in collaboration with architects IF_DO, features 21-metre-high painted steel girders that wrap around the substation, creating a striking visual statement.

Michael Grubb Studio was appointed as Executive Lighting Consultants to deliver and finalise the details of the lighting scheme designed by Arup, ensuring it aligns with the wider Brent Cross Town Lighting Masterplan. The lighting design enhances the visibility and impact of the artwork while integrating seamlessly with the surrounding urban environment.

Situated at a key gateway to the development, the substation could have been perceived as a purely utilitarian structure. However, by carefully considering materials, light levels, and visual impact, the substation’s illumination elevates it from a functional necessity to a striking landmark that contributes positively to the local streetscape.

Melissa Byers, Head of Bournemouth Studio, discussed in-depth about the approach and technicalities when working on Brent Cross Town project in the First Issue of The Spotlight. Subscribe here to receive it directly in your inbox.

“Brent Cross Town has been a significant project for us, which kept expanding from our original remit. It has been wonderful to start on a specific area of the town and keep growing our footprint into different areas, seeing the impact of our designs on so many of the area’s spaces and places. Brent Cross Town has a fantastic future ahead and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to play a key role in the development, working alongside so many other expert organisations.”

Michael Grubb, Founder and Managing Director of Michael Grubb Studio