Chapman Taylor designs living bridge for Brent Cross

Chapman Taylor has designed a new living bridge spanning the North Circular Road, which will connect the rejuvenated Brent Cross shopping centre to the wider Brent Cross South regeneration area. The new bridge is designed as a city garden, providing a magical protected courtyard-style route across the North Circular, which has been a major physical barrier to the neighbouring communities for many years.

The courtyard walls of the new bridge incorporate angled parapets which shield pedestrians from traffic on the North Circular. The walls fold outwards towards the ends, allowing views over the new Brent Riverside Park.

The planting scheme is complemented by seating areas and sun loungers, with a bicycle parking area at the northern end. Stepped access to the Brent Cross bus station is also provided.

The living bridge, designed in conjunction with Macgregor Smith and Aecom, forms part of the redevelopment of the existing Brent Cross shopping centre by Hammerson and Standard Life Investments, which will complement the existing retail offer with up to 150 new retail stores.

The Brent Cross development will enable a thriving night-time economy through 50 restaurants and a cinema complex in a network of covered streets and spaces. At the heart of Brent Cross will be a new town square hosting events and activities. The square will be surrounded by multi-level retail crowned with restaurants and leisure at the top level.

The wider Brent Cross South regeneration project, being undertaken by Argent Related and the London Borough of Barnet, will create new residential and commercial quarters.

Chapman Taylor is currently working alongside Callison RTKL on the designs for this major redevelopment of the 41-year-old shopping centre.

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