Kings Cross Railway Station, London - New Concourse
Kings Cross railway station might be the terminus of one of the more important long distance rail routes into London, but until recently its passenger facilities were poor and cramped.
That has changed dramatically in recent years, with this massive new concourse and facilities created outside the western side of the station as it was.
This new steel and glass Western Concourse by John McAslan & Partners opened in March 2012, making use of the space between Lewis Cubitt’s Great Northern Hotel and the offices on the western side of the station.
The site of the former concourse was cleared and a new public square created.
An interesting feature of Kings Cross railway station that you won't see is that the River Fleet is culverted below ground and runs across the south side of the new public square. I have been reading an interesting walking guide to the lost rivers of London, and this is just one of several that are now hidden.
This part of the station looks very crowded compared to that in yesterday's picture. I like the hustle and bustle going on there and the roof looks magnificent.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I really like the design of this new extension to Kings Cross railway station. It fits well with the design of the older part of the station, and forms quite a contrast with the gothic St Pancras station just across the road.
Passengers stay in this concourse area untill around 15-20 minutes before their train departs, when they pass through the gate line to board their train. This helps to reduce congestion on the platforms.
The book is 'London's Hidden Rivers' by David Fathers, one of several walking guides he has written about London. It doesn't go into great detail, but is a well illustrated introduction to the subject. I have already learned quite a lot of new things about London from it.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I really like the design of this new extension to Kings Cross railway station. It fits well with the design of the older part of the station, and forms quite a contrast with the gothic St Pancras station just across the road.
Passengers stay in this concourse area untill around 15-20 minutes before their train departs, when they pass through the gate line to board their train. This helps to reduce congestion on the platforms.
Ian
The book is 'London's Hidden Rivers' by David Fathers, one of several walking guides he has written about London. It doesn't go into great detail, but is a well illustrated introduction to the subject. I have already learned quite a lot of new things about London from it.
Ian
Thank you Vesna - I was impressed by the design.
Ian