A new look for King’s Cross Station

Last May we talked on the blog about the King’s Cross redevelopment project, though it hadn’t yet reached the final stage it had won an EU Prize for Cultural Heritage in the area of conservation.

Following the renovation of the original station building and the construction of a new western concourse, the final stage of the £550m redevelopment project was the opening of the 75,000 sq ft King’s Cross Square. This took place back in 2013, marked by the pulling of a Victorian railway signal lever and explosion of streamer canons.

The redevelopment project has helped attract £2.2bn of private investment into a previously largely derelict and disused 67 acre site, including 2,000 new homes.

With the opening of the new square, for the first time in 150 years the Grade 1 listed station’s full historic façade can be seen in all its glory. This timelapse video, from Network Rail, shows the façade emerging as the ‘space deck’ roof is removed.

The new space is big enough to accommodate Big Ben clock tower laid down length-ways.

The new square offers a brand new space as well as improved entrances to the London Underground, an area dedicated to public art and a stunning lighting scheme.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said of the project “The official opening of King’s Cross Square marks the completion of one of the largest station modernisation projects across our national rail network and one of the government’s top infrastructure projects. With more platforms, a redesigned concourse and improved facilities, work at this iconic station has transformed the experience of thousands of rail passengers travelling into London for the better”

The station is now returned to it’s former 1850s glory.

Has anyone seen the redeveloped station? If anyone has their own images or experiences to share we’d love to hear from you. Post your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.

You can read our original post about the modernisation project here.