27.09.13
King’s Cross square officially opened
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin officially opened King’s Cross Square yesterday, as the £550m redevelopment was completed.
The transformation of the 75,000 sq ft public square follows the renovation of the original station building, with the construction of the new western concourse in 2012. The redevelopment has helped to attract £2.2bn of private investment, including 2,000 new homes.
McLoughlin said: “I have been travelling to and from my Derbyshire Constituency for years and I remember when King’s Cross and St Pancras were not places you would hang around. Now it is a destination in its own right.
“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.
“Major investment in our railways is just one part of a pipeline of over £100bn worth of public investment in infrastructure projects over the next parliament announced by government earlier this year. By investing in our infrastructure we are helping build growth in our economy over the long term.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, welcomed the regeneration the project had brought to London, calling it “a fantastic open space”. He said: “If you support good transport links the jobs and growth will follow.”
David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, said: “Today we mark the coronation of King’s Cross, and finally give the new-look station and surrounding area the entrance they deserve. I’m confident King’s Cross will continue to flourish. This is just the beginning of a new chapter.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]