ESCP Business School has collaborated with Related Argent and Barnet Council on the Brent Cross Town development, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the UK.

The collaboration represents ESCP’s London Campus’ first local corporate innovation programme and offered students an opportunity to make a direct impact on a major local development. The project also highlights the growing role of academic institutions in directly shaping the future of London’s infrastructure and urban spaces.

Bachelor in Management (BSc) students at ESCP’s London campus presented their business plan recommendations to Related Argent, focusing on how to establish Clitterhouse Playing Fields as a central hub for leisure, sport, and community engagement. The proposals included strategies for enhancing local participation, increasing awareness of green spaces, and creating sustainable revenue opportunities to support the development’s long-term success.

Nicolas Chea, a student who participated in the project, shared: “Being involved in a project that transcends generations was a one-of-a-kind opportunity. I think that after three years, we [the bachelor students] are packed to the brim with theoretical knowledge, so forging sustainable business models, charting out marketing plans, and proposing socially ethical governance models for Brent Cross Town was the perfect way to channel this into a real business project.”

Davinder Chaggar, Social Value Manager at Related Argent, says: “We were impressed by the creativity and strategic thinking ESCP students brought to this project. Their international perspectives added real value, helping us explore fresh, innovative ways to position Clitterhouse Playing Fields at Brent Cross Town as London’s go-to destination for sport and play. Their proposals demonstrated in-depth analysis and thoughtful consideration of all target demographics, and we are actively exploring how to integrate some of these ideas into our plans. This has been a highly positive collaboration, and we look forward to future engagements with the ESCP community.”

Brent Cross Town, located in northwest London, is expected to welcome 25,000 visitors daily by 2029 and will include new homes, offices, retail and dining spaces, and expansive green areas. The development will serve as a new town centre for Barnet, supporting both the local economy and community.

The collaboration was coordinated by ESCP’s Blue Factory initiative and the BSc Entrepreneurship Hop module, led by Professor Alisa Sydow. The Blue Factory platform allows students to apply their business knowledge to real-world projects, providing valuable insights and fostering entrepreneurial solutions for local businesses and communities.

Alisa Sydow, an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School London Campus, commented: “Gaining first-hand experience with an entrepreneurial challenge is crucial, which is why it’s essential to connect it with a real-life project, one that is serious and tangible. That’s why we chose to work with Related Argent. By providing solutions, students not only make a meaningful impact for the regeneration project but also contribute to the broader ecosystem in London.”

The students’ recommendations are now being reviewed by Related Argent, with several ideas set to influence the ongoing development of Brent Cross Town.

To find out more about ESCP’s London campus, please visit: https://escp.eu/london.