In a major article, this month’s issue of the rail engineer refers to plans to open up the space in front of Kings Cross station currently covered by the southern concourse.
As we went to press, Network Rail released their first plans for the new King’s Cross Square, work on which will commence after the Olympics towards the end of 2012. At more than 7000 square metres, it will be 50% bigger than Leicester Square and will reveal the stunning Grade I listed Victorian station façade for the first time in almost 150 years.
Architects Stanton Williams were chosen to work with Network Rail on the new square following an international design competition, attracting entries from more than 100 architects and urban designers from around the world. Network Rail says that “The square has been carefully designed to complement the area’s rich history and provide a modern, open space in the heart of London”.
Alan Stanton, director of Stanton Williams, said: “King’s Cross Square is a unique opportunity to create a new public space for London and a response to one of the most exciting urban challenges in the city. The scheme will become a focal point at the heart of the wider King’s Cross development bringing together major urban and transport improvements”.
While we are at the planning stage can the plans also show a few trees