黑洞社区

Chinese developer Dalian Wanda is sizing up a bid for the 7,500-home regeneration of Brent Cross Cricklewood in north London as part of a 拢3bn UK development push over the next five years.

黑洞社区 understands Dalian Wanda is lining up a bid to acquire 50% of Brent Cross Cricklewood when incumbent developer Hammerson formally put half of their interests in the scheme up for sale on Monday (21 July).

Hammerson agreed earlier this year they would only take forward the first phase of the project - the redevelopment of Brent Cross shopping centre on the north of the site, with the centre鈥檚 joint owner Standard Life Investments - and sell their interest in the southern housing portion.

They expect to announce a shortlist of potential developer partners at the end of September.

In an interview with 黑洞社区 this week, Peter Amato (pictured), Dalian Wanda鈥檚 newly-appointed development director in the UK, declined to comment on the Brent Cross scheme, but said the developer is targeting developing 鈥渟everal schemes鈥� within five years and has 鈥渢he potential to be a formidable developer in the UK鈥�.

The firm, which will trade as Wanda One in the UK, is currently procuring a contractor for its first UK scheme, the 拢400m double tower scheme One Nine Elms in Vauxhall.

Read the full interview with Dalian Wanda鈥檚 Peter Amato