Brent Cross Town’s first retirement living homes moved a step closer after planning permission was granted for 148 properties for the over 60s.

The units will be delivered by  (SLIP) and will be operated by Audley Group.

The milestone follows continued investment and construction across Related Argent and Barnet Council’s new 180-acre, £8bn park town.

Audley Group is the UK’s leading provider of Integrated Retirement Communities (IRCs) and SLIP is the £200m partnership between specialist real estate investor, Octopus Real Estate, and Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension schemes.

The homes will be the first in London to operate under Audley Group’s Mayfield Villages brand and the second ever to be developed in its portfolio.

The brand was designed to bring high-quality and contemporary retirement living to a much-wider audience, whilr providing retirees with more choice over the lifestyle they lead as they get older.

Owners will benefit from 17,000sq ft of amenities including a village hall, a health and wellness centre, residents’ lounge, outdoor gardens and terraces, as well as a café/ bistro which will be open to the public.

The homes are integral to the wider vision to create an intergenerational community which flourishes.

The building will sit at the heart of a new quarter which will be neighboured by co-living, rental homes, affordable housing, student accommodation, and private residences.

In total, Brent Cross Town – one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects – will boast 6,700 new homes, three million sq ft of offices, a high street, schools, a university, and 50 acres of parks and playing fields.

The growing community is already taking shape following the completion of two residential buildings and the arrival of the first residents.

Tom Goodall, chief executive of Related Argent, said: “We are delighted that the first retirement living homes at Brent Cross Town have been given the go-ahead.

“This builds on the continued inward investment secured over the last 12 months and accelerates our bold vision to create an intergenerational community with diverse housing options.”

Nick Sanderson, chief executive of Audley Group, added: “Planning approval for the new Mayfield Village at Brent Cross Town is a fantastic step forward.

“The demand for specialist retirement living properties isn’t slowing down and it’s important we give more people more choice over how and where they live as they get older.

“Mayfield Brent Cross will become an important part of the vibrant intergenerational community being created in this area of London.”

And Kevin Beirne, head of retirement living at Octopus Real Estate, said: “This milestone demonstrates the planning authority’s commitment to providing living solutions that cater to all demographics, offering both choice and quality for older residents of the borough.

“Later living options are integral to the future of real estate, and this announcement is a significant step forward in proving the case for the intergenerational living model in buzzy city locations.”

The announcement of planning permission come at an exciting time for Brent Cross Town.

This spring marks the opening of ‘The Maple’, the development’s build-to-rent offer which will welcome its first residents.

Additionally, university students will soon settle into dedicated accommodation by Fusion, while Neighbourhood Square, which sits at the heart of the town, will be unveiled as a vibrant central gathering space, surrounded by restaurants and retail.