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Find out moreIconic New Public Artwork Revealed at Brent Cross Town
Brent Cross Town, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe which is being delivered in partnership by Related Argent and Barnet Council, has unveiled a new 21-metre-high and 52-metre-long permanent public artwork by celebrated London-based artist Lakwena and architects IF_DO. Titled “Here we come, Here we rise”, the artwork is in the form of a ‘wrap’ around the new electrical substation for Brent Cross Town.
The inspirational statement “Here we come, Here we rise and shine” reflects the ambition to inspire and bring people together in the local community. The colour scheme and vast scale of the artwork, which at its highest point is taller than the Angel of the North, ensures that it will become a new local landmark. G&T provided Cost Management and Employer’s Agent services on the project.
Nick Searl, Partner at Related Argent, commented: “This amazing piece of public art, designed in collaboration between artist Lakwena and architect IF_DO, is set to become a great landmark for London in this highly visible location. It sets the tone for the wider Brent Cross Town neighbourhood and demonstrates our commitment to art, culture and low carbon development.”
© Jason Hawkes
The project puts circular economy principles into action with circa 50% of the structural steel being salvaged from unused oil pipelines, reducing embodied carbon emissions by over 40%. The concrete used is a combination of low cement concrete and the new ‘Earth Friendly Concrete’ – a cement-free concrete. Using these alternative concrete mixes saves up to 33% and 70% of embodied carbon respectively compared to standard mixes.
The project has also brought back to life a piece of brownfield, ex-industrial land with the creation of a newly landscaped embankment. Newly planted trees and wildflower meadow increase site biodiversity as well as enhancing local wildlife corridors and tying in with the wider network of green infrastructure within the masterplan and surrounding area.
Brent Cross Town is being designed to be a net zero carbon development by 2030 and investment in efficient new infrastructure is a key part of this. The substation will supply electricity to all of Brent Cross Town as well as to the low-carbon district heating/cooling networks operated by Swedish energy company Vattenfall. Brent Cross Town will source all electricity supplies within its control from 100% renewables sources.
Main Image: © John Sturrock