Kings Cross is one of the fastest-changing areas in central London. A part of town that used to be formed by neglected, industrial buildings, is now swiftly becoming a buzzing hub for modern offices and state-of-the-art residential blocks, courtesy of its developers, Argent, and a wealth of leading architects and designers.
The redevelopment of Coal Drops Yard, a complex running parallel to the existing refurbished building of the Central St Martins School, off Granary Square, could be the latest addition to the area's transformation. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the first glimpse of the brick buildings' proposed look has just been unveiled.
A key piece in the Kings Cross development, the scheme for Coal Drops Yards will not only 'secure the long-term future of the historic Coal Drops buildings in King's Cross, London', explain the architects, 'which were built in the 1850s to receive freight arriving from the north of England by train'; it will also provide the large scale estate with a much needed commercial and retail element.
The existing structures' latest use was in warehousing and light industry. Currently awaiting planning permission, the project, should it be granted approval, will include public space and retail. Spanning some 100,000 square feet, the revamped Coal Drops Yard will be adapted as a mixed-use shopping, eating and drinking, and events space.
Coal Drops is currently awaiting planning permission - should it get the go ahead, it will be an essential piece in the wider area's development. Pictured, a vision of how Kings Cross could be in a few year's time
Coal Drops is currently awaiting planning permission - should it get the go ahead, it will be an essential piece in the wider area's development. Pictured, a vision of how Kings Cross could be in a few year's time