07.08.13
King’s Cross public realm improvements complete
The final part of the King’s Cross station redevelopment is to open next month.
A new square, 27,000 square feet, will offer improved access to London Underground, a new lighting scheme, more trees, a space for the display of public art, new retail units and granite benches.
The public space was designed by architects Stanton Williams and will open to the public on September 26.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “The incredible regeneration of King’s Cross continues apace. Network Rail are renovating this historic location with ingenuity and flair and this wonderful new square will be the perfect gateway to almost 70 acres of new public spaces, businesses and homes for Londoners, setting a new standard that we should aspire to for all future station redevelopment.”
David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, said: “The new square will be a stunning entrance to the King's Cross area. It is the last piece in the jigsaw which has led to more than £2.2bn of private investment transforming the area into an exciting centre for business, knowledge and the arts of which the capital can be proud. If ever proof were needed that investment in rail provides a catalyst for wider economic growth, this is it.”
David Partridge, chair of the King's Cross Business Partnership, said: “King's Cross is undergoing an incredible transformation and this is being driven in part by investment in transport infrastructure, including the stunning Western Concourse and very soon, the new King's Cross Square. It is testament to the enormity of the transformation that this will actually be the second major square to open in the area in as many years.
“The King’s Cross Business Partnership welcomes the new square. We have already seen at Granary Square how large scale public spaces can provide a meeting point, an area for people to congregate and pause for a moment, as well as a focus for events, cultural and commercial activity. This is good for the public, good for local businesses and good for King's Cross.”
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