The transformation of the 67 acres of former railway land adjacent to King’s Cross and St Pancras International Stations is considered to be Europe's largest current urban regeneration project. The project involves the creation of housing, office, retail units and public spaces.

In October 2012 I was lucky to obtain a place on one of the development site tours and our small group donned hard hats and safety goggles before undergoing a tour of the building site.

Granary Building and Granary Square

The Granary Building, dating from the 1850s, was once were the grain arriving by train would be stored. This large former warehouse has been transformed into  the new home to Central Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design. Also located here is the King’s Cross Visitor Centre.

Granary Square is a public space similar in size to Trafalgar Square and has dancing fountains (operational daily 8am to 8pm). Throughout the year there are a number of different public events held and pop up street traders selling a variety of food are located nearby.

Coal Drops 

Previously the location for unloading and transfering the coal from train to horse and cart. Underneath the arches will be transformed into small specialist retail units and restaurants and will form  the historic heart of the scheme.

Camley Street Nature Park

Just outside the boundary of the new development is the Camley Street Natural Park, a little green oasis in the centre of London. It has a visitors’ centre and provides a natural habitat for birds, butterflies and amphibians. 

Energy Centre

The Energy Centre will provide the buildings on site with hot water (don't ask me the technical stuff).

Western Transit Shed 

Another area being redeveloped for retail and other leisure activities.

Skip Garden 

The vegetable garden is run by volunteers and moves location as new areas of the site are developed. 

Practical Information

Nearest Tube/ Train Station:  King's Cross or St Pancras International (Zone1)

King’s Cross Visitor Centre

Address:  Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, N1C 4AA

Open: Monday to Thursday 10am – 6pm, Fridays 10am - 5pm

There were no future dates for developmental tours when I visited.

Website:  http://www.kingscrosscentral.com/

Camley Street Nature Park

Address:  12 Camley Street, London, N1C 4PW

Admission:  Free

Open:  Check website for current opening times

Website:  http://www.wildlondon.org.uk/Pages/Category.aspx?IDCategory=4fd545f7-a11e-4b85-b143-724a886ffa16

Other Websites:

http://www.kingscrossevents.co.uk/ (Events listings)

http://www.kerbfood.com/ (Street food traders, every Monday - Friday, 11am - 2.30pm) For up the latest news is on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/kerbfood and follow them on twitter @kerb_ 

If you enjoyed this you might like reading my blog about other construction projects.

The author of this blog is a qualified City of London and City of Westminster Tour Guide who leads guided walks combining world famous landmarks with hidden treasures often missed by the crowds.

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