Plans to create a new public space in front of King's Cross, which will form the final part of the redevelopment of the station, have been approved by Camden council.

The design will reveal the Victorian Grade 1 listed station façade for the first time in 150 years. In place of the 1970s concourse extension there will be a 7,000m2 open space 50% bigger than Leicester Square featuring Yorkstone and granite paving and outdoor seating and trees.

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It will be the ideal complement to the new concourse which opens in March 2012.

Engineering challenge

On the face of it, creating an open public square may appear a simple task. However the site's location gives rise to a number of complex engineering challenges as it sits directly above the London Underground ticket hall and above tunnels carrying the River Fleet, as well as above other utilities and tube lines.

When completed, it is estimated that the square will be used by 140,000 people every day.

The station is at the heart of the regeneration of the King's Cross area and a major part of our plan to improve transport across London. When complete the new square, together with the listed Lewis Cubbitt station façade and the new concourse opening in Spring 2012, will help transform King’s Cross station into a world-class public transport hub.

(CD/GK)