King's Cross Central
A New Urban Quarter in King's Cross
After six years, London's King's Cross redevelopment - one of the biggest brownfield regeneration projects in Europe - has finally been given the go ahead. 27 hectares of semi-derelict land behind King's Cross and St. Pancras stations will be redeveloped to provide London with a major new centre for business, culture, leisure and housing to supplement the location's role as a major transport hub.
Developer Argent began working with two of the principle landowners, London and Continental Railways and Excel, in 2000 to draw up proposals, which recently have been approved by Camden Council and Islington Council.
The main driver for the redevelopment is the area's major transport links. The development is closely tied to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link project, which when completed next year, will connect Paris to King's Cross at a journey time of only two hours. This will further enhance the accessibility of an area served by two major rail stations, six tube lines and four over-ground rail lines.
Argent hopes to draw a range of tenants to the development, with a particular focus on establishing King's Cross Central as an arts and culture centre. There is already an agreement from Guardian Newspapers to move its current headquarters to new premises on site in 2008. In addition, the British Film Institute's National Film Theatre, Central St Martin School of Art and Design, and a number of fringe theatres and independent cinemas will be contemplating a move to King's Cross Central.
There has also been a proposal by Argent to guarantee that 120 of the businesses are independents, responding to the mounting backlash against 'clone town' Britain.
In terms of housing, approximately 1,946 new homes will be built at the northern end of the site, ranging from studio flats to four-bed family homes.
The development will also include a new primary school and children's centre, a primary health care centre and health walk-in centre as well as several public health and fitness facilities, which include a swimming pool and sports hall.
The development will be completed by 2020.
Clearly such a major development is of interest to the University, given its proximity to the North campus. There could also be specific opportunities for staff involved in areas such as urban design, master planning and the cultural and creative industries.
|
For further information see: Argent Kings Cross
To discuss further opportunities
|
|
 |
| The London Enterprise Office |
 |
| About TLEO |
|
| Accelerator |
|
| Business Intelligence |
|
| Innovation and Enterprise |
|
| London Environment Centre |
|
| Administration and Promotions |
|
| Contact Us |
|
 |
