Network Rail's redevelopment of King’s Cross station reached another crucial milestone today with the official opening of Platform 0 by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.

The addition of the new platform means Network Rail can begin refurbishing the station's existing platforms, which will be taken out of service on a rolling basis, without affecting services.

Built on what was for many years a taxi rank at the eastern side of the station, Platform 0 will provide greater capacity for passengers and trains at King's Cross once the station redevelopment is complete.

Mr Hammond said: "This new platform is just one part of a project that will transform this station, benefiting the thousands of passengers who use it each day. King’s Cross is one of our key railway hubs and it’s vital it works better, looks better and leaves a good impression on the people who pass through it – including those anticipated during the 2012 Olympics."

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Neal Lawson, Managing Director of train operator First Capital Connect, said: "This new platform is a crucial step in the redevelopment of King's Cross station that means we can run all our normal services during the building work and, by the time of the Olympics, have more platform space for extra services in the future. That can only be good news for our customers."

With passenger numbers at King's Cross expected to rise to over 50m a year within a decade the extra capacity provided by the new platform will help the station meet growing passenger demand.

The most significant part of the redevelopment is the new western concourse, due for completion in time for the Olympics, which will be three-times the size of the current single-storey concourse. Passengers will benefit from more shops and restaurants, better seating areas to use while waiting for trains and improved links to St Pancras International and the Underground.

After the Olympics the current concourse will be demolished, allowing Network Rail to restore the grade 1 listed station façade to its former glory and create a stunning open piazza larger than Leicester Square at the front of the station. Leading London architects Stanton Williams were recently appointed by Network Rail to work with them on the design of the new public square.

(CD/GK)