Network Rail, a company that operates the railway network in the UK, has commenced the transformation of the historic frontage of King’s Cross station in London into a public space, to be called King’s Cross Square.
The company has commenced the removal of a canopy in front of the Victorian station façade, and the facade will then be deconstructed to create the new square, which has been designed by London-based architects, Stanton Williams. King’s Cross Square is expected to open to the public in 2013.
Matt Tolan, the programme manager for Network Rail at King’s Cross, said, ‘We’re finally removing a building that’s almost universally unloved, restoring the station to its full architectural glory and creating a modern station fit for the future that gives passengers and the local community a huge new space to enjoy.
With the completion of the final phase of King’s Cross station’s redevelopment, we aim to bring a bit of the grandness and old-world charm of Europe’s city-centre railway stations right to the heart of 21st century London.’
The company opened a new glass and steel western concourse in March this year, offering three times more space for passengers than the old concourse, with enhanced connectivity to the London Underground network and St Pancras International station.
David Partridge, the spokesperson for King’s Cross Business Partnership, said, ‘King’s Cross is a rapidly evolving place and is fast becoming one of the most exciting destinations in the city. Over the last 10 years almost £2.5bn has been spent on the transport infrastructure in King’s Cross and St Pancras, creating the best interchange in the UK with unrivalled accessibility.
The removal of this canopy together with the creation of the new square will be another vital part of the new public realm opening up this area of London.’
