The successful redevelopment of King's Cross is set for a boost as Waitrose announces plans to open a cookery school and Waitrose shop in one of the development’s listed buildings.

The multimillion pound scheme, which will create up to 170 jobs, will include a 21,000 sq ft supermarket, as well as a state-of-the-art cookery school.

The school will also offer a variety of paid-for courses from 'Bread Making for Beginners' to 'The Art of Michelin Star Cooker'.

Waitrose is the only UK supermarket to have its own cookery school after opening its first above its John Barnes shop in Finchley Road in autumn 2010.

The descision to open a second Waitrose Cookery School came after Waitrose reached an agreement with King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership (KCCLP) to open it alongside a new Waitrose food shop.

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Subject to a successful planning application, the supermarket and cookery school will see the restoration and refurbishment of the Midland Goods Shed and the East Handyside Canopy. The goods shed was originally built in 1850 by the Great Northern Railway as the temporary Maiden Lane passenger railway station while the original King’s Cross station was under construction.

A wide variety of jobs, including highly-skilled chef tutors, retail apprentices, management positions and product specialists will be created as a result of the proposed scheme.

In addition to offering paid for courses, Waitrose will work with KCCLP and Camden Council to provide a series of free sessions throughout the year for schools and other priority groups from the local area.

Waitrose Managing Director, Mark Price, said: "We're delighted to be part of the continuing regeneration of King’s Cross and are looking forward to creating up to 170 new jobs and building on the success of our cookery school in Finchley Road.

"As a food retailer, we have a responsibility to help educate and inspire people not only when it comes to their weekly shop but also when it comes to creating and enjoying good food. It's fantastic to give even more people the opportunity to develop their culinary skills."

(CD/GK)