When King’s Cross opened in 1852, it was the largest station in England. Built as the London terminus of the Great Northern Railway, architect Lewis Cubitt’s design was simple and functional. Comprising two arched engine sheds and eight platforms, the only concession to grandeur was a porch with arched windows and a central Italianate clock tower on the façade, standing at 112 feet. During the age of steam, King’s Cross often received the Flying Scotsman service and Gresley Pacific steam locomotives, including the Mallard.
King’s Cross is not just the station, it’s an area in Camden, North London, that’s been significantly regenerated in recent times. It got its name from a statue of King George IV erected at the crossroads outside the station. The monument was short lived, completed in 1836 and demolished in 1845, but the area and the station retained the name.
The station has great cultural importance, not least for featuring in the Harry Potter books and films, with the Hogwarts Express famously departing from Platform 9 ¾. It has pride of place on a Monopoly board and further back in time, according to the folklore, the area of King’s Cross was the site of Boudica’s last battle. Leader of the Celtic Iceni tribe, her body is believed to be buried under Platform 9.
In 2007, an extensive modernisation and extension project began, where the original train shed roof was reglazed, Victorian facade restored and preserved, and a new departure concourse created. The 1972 extension at the front of the station was replaced with an open-air plaza. The most spectacular addition can be seen if you look up above the western concourse to see a stunning, dynamic wave form roof, created from white steel.
Architect Hiro Aso and John McAslan & Partners masterminded the £550 million project under the guidance of Network Rail which was finally completed in 2012. The restoration and modernisation of a Grade 1 Listed building on this scale required diligence and attention to detail, with restrictions on what changes could be made and the materials used.
A cast iron rainwater pipe is one of the most recognisable features of a period property and is often specified by planners and architects to maintain the traditional appearance of historic buildings; we are proud that J & JW Longbottom rainwater pipes were chosen for King’s Cross. It’s not just about looks, cast iron is strong and durable and will keep the station safe from rainwater for many years to come.
The King’s Cross redevelopment is widely regarded as one of the most successful large-scale historic building transformations of recent times. Interestingly, the station which manages around 150,000 travellers a day, remained operational throughout the entire five-year project.
