A new look for King’s Cross Station

Last May we shared a blog talking 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.


The spectacular western concourse
© Network Rail


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.


Boris Johnson at the opening of the square
© Phil Adams/Network Rail


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.


Aerial view of King’s Cross (October 2010)
© Network Rail


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 historic façade starts to be revealed.
© Network Rail


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


The removal of the old fronting created potential for a new public space
© Network Rail


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.


The 75,000 sq ft public space


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”


Watercolour, Arrival of Queen Victoria at King’s Cross Station, by an unknown artist, possibly Lewis Cubitt, the station’s architect, about 1852.


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


The new look King’s Cross Station.
© Network Rail/ Hufton & Crow


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.

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