@kingscrossN1C www.kingscross.co.uk N1C 4AB London Street 11 Stable Shed Transit Western Centre Visitor Cross King’s further information: For King’s Cross has a rich and colourful past. It’s location at the meeting point of road, canal and rail has shaped its history, and this can be seen today in the old buildings and the layout of the streets. Here’s a taste. The gasholders have been a feature of the King’s Cross skyline for over 150 years. Today, without any gas to hold, they are being put to a whole new use. The decorative cast iron frame of Gasholder No. 8 has been painstakingly restored and moved to a new home north of the canal. Here it will house a park with paths leading down to Regent’s Canal. Built in 1852, King’s Cross station was the London hub of the Great Northern Railway and the terminus of the East Coast main line. Designed by Lewis Cubitt, at the time it was the last word in functional modernity. The beautiful Victorian structure, long hidden behind a modern façade, has now been revealed. Designed by Edward Gruning in 1864 for the German Gymnastics Society, this was the first purpose-built gymnasium of its kind in England. It was the venue for the first National Olympic Games in 1866 and was influential in the development of Named after the Roman martyr British athletics. The beautiful, Saint Pancras, the church is Grade II listed building is believed by many to be one currently under wraps while it of the oldest sites of Christian is restored. worship in Northern Europe. The peaceful churchyard features architect Sir John Soane’s Mausoleum – inspiration for the iconic red telephone box. One of London’s best loved landmarks, St Pancras station opened in 1868 as the London terminus of the Midland Railway. William Barlow designed the train shed while the architect for the hotel was George Gilbert Scott. The Designed in 1852 by Lewis hotel and station Cubitt, the architect of King’s were threatened Cross station, the Granary was with demolition once used to store wheat for in the 1960s but London’s bakers. Today, the were saved by elegant building is a creative preservationist warehouse – home to the world campaigners led famous art college – Central by the poet Saint Martins. John Betjeman. 45,000 people 45,000 of public space 26 acres feet 8 million square public squares 10 new streets 20 new homes new 2,000 buildings 50 new acres 67 in numbers Cross King’s Cross. King’s and discover tour the walking Take and enjoy. experience to everyone for a place - part of London new is an exciting This and streets. parks, squares of new framework set within a buildings are These architecture. contemporary by and complemented and restored being preserved buildings are Historic character. unique the area gives here of the old and new and the mix history has a rich and varied Cross King’s city quarter. new a vibrant into is being transformed stations Pancras and St Cross the north of King’s to the area use, of industrial 150 years After in Europe. redevelopments exciting and most is one of the largest Cross King’s is taking shape part of London An extraordinary www.kingscross.co.uk facebook.com/kingscrosscouk @kingscrossN1C vimeo.com/kingscrosscouk The parks and squares at King’s Cross come in all shapes and sizes and everyone can find a space that’s right for them. From quiet, leafy corners with views of wildlife, to people watching in a bustling square. On the banks of Regent’s Canal, this urban nature reserve is a haven for both people and wildlife. Run by the London Wildlife Trust, the park was created from an old Coal Yard in 1984. The wild green space provides a sanctuary for birds, butterflies, bats and Canalside Granary Square is a wide variety of plant life. It’s at the heart of King’s Cross. an oasis of calm right in the This magnificent new square middle of the city. is built where barges once unloaded their goods from the canal. Its aquatic history has been worked into the new design, which is animated with over 1,000 choreographed fountains - each individually controlled and lit. The fountains are spectacular – by day and by night. One of London’s best- kept secrets, this nine mile what. see what’s help to illustrations panoramic are There of the development. view eye a bird’s Climb up for platform. find the viewing you’ll Boulevard, of King’s the top At Platform Viewing Cloud. The on to Log 5Mbps access. Up to All the time. everyone. to is free WiFi Cross King’s At WiFi Free Booking is essential. com/walking-tours. www.kingscrossandstpancras. at: learn more or Centre, the Visitor at Pick up a programme the area. of tours themed walking free also offer Partnership Business Pancras St Cross King’s The www.kingscross.co.uk/tours. slot at Book your of the area. guided tours runs free Centre Our Visitor Guided Tours Street. Shed on Stable Transit in the Western located is now Centre Visitor Cross King’s The and goodies. and all kinds of information displays photo explore, to model amazing interactive an There’s years. the coming over will unfold development the and see how of the area, learn about the history and do, to see can find out what You Cross. King’s visit to of your the most make will help you Centre Our friendly Visitor Centre Visitor The waterway winds its way quietly from the River Thames at Limehouse Basin to the Grand Union Canal at Little Venice. Watch the colourful narrowboats from the canalside steps at Granary Square or stroll along the banks towards Camden or Islington. This is a community garden This new park, designed by with a twist – it’s moveable. It Dan Pearson, is inspired by www.kingscross.co.uk/transport details visit: For the area. in docking station Hire Cycle Bike: and 476. 390 259, 91, 205, 214, 73, 63, 59, Bus: Road. along Euston 500 metres is Euston mainline stations, International Pancras and St Rail: National Cross King’s all serve lines and Victoria Metropolitan Northern, Hammersmith & City, Tube: in London. hub transport connected most the it’s be easier, couldn’t Cross King’s and from Getting to Getting here night. spectacular at their most at they’re – 11.30pm, although 7.45am them daily from experience can and lit. You controlled of them, each individually 1,000 over are There be missed. to not are Square Granary at fountains choreographed The See the fountains www.kingscross.co.uk/stories. or check online at: Centre the Visitor at Stories leaflet Pick up our events Cross. King’s happening at something always There’s On What’s Square. Granary at can be found facilities changing and baby Public WCs WCs started as an organic vegetable the railway – past and present. garden built in skips and has The geometry follows the expanded into community 45, 46, 30, 17, 10, Routes pattern of the railway sidings Barclays three are There project that provides all kinds that once ran through the site, Piccadilly, Circle, of opportunities for local young while the planting is inspired people. Stop in and learn about by the growth found on sustainability or sample food railway embankments. made with organic produce The gardens are Cross King’s from the garden. beautifully landscaped, with places to sit and a water rill which meanders through the park from a children’s play area. Start at the western concourse at King’s Cross station. The spectacular domed roof is an architectural and engineering feat. You’ll find a host of new shops, eateries and bars here including the Parcel Yard Bar, where you have fantastic views of the refurbished station. Also here is the newly reopened Great Northern Hotel. This striking curved Victorian building was one of Britain’s first purpose-built railway hotels. There’s the Manhattan- style GNH bar and a fine dining restaurant – Plum + Spilt Milk. Or if meat is your thing, then Kiosk serves delicious hand-carved roast meat sandwiches from a hatch directly off the main concourse. Pass the queue of Harry Potter fanatics at Platform 9 and ¾, and exit the station to your left into Battle Bridge Place. This is the gateway to King’s Cross. The giant birdcage is Jacque Rival’s artwork IFO (Identified Flying Object). Its neon rainbow colours light up the square at night. The black and white mural is by Barcelona-born artist Gregori Saavedra. It wraps the historic German Gymnasium building while it is being refurbished. From here, stroll up one of London’s newest streets, King’s Boulevard. As you walk along, you can look at photos and read stories about the history of the area. Internet giant Google is building its UK headquarters on the eastern side of the boulevard in a “groundscraper” building that is as long as the Shard is tall. You’re now in a free WiFi zone. At the top of the boulevard, climb the viewing platform for a bird’s eye view of the development. Panoramic illustration boards tell you what’s what. Back to the street, and on your right as you approach King’s Bridge is King’s Cross Filling Station. This former BP petrol station was once a popular late-night stop for clubbers. It’s is now home to hip restaurant, Shrimpy’s and an alfresco bar and grill.