Seedy, down market, syringe infested. Those were the words used to describe Kings Cross only 15 years ago. This once abandoned no-go zone is long gone. Kings Cross of today -or to use its new branding acronym “KX”- is a different urban space …
According to folklore, KX is the site of the legendary battle between unlucky Ancient Briton Queen Boudicca and Roman invaders. It is believed her shattered remains are buried under Platforms 9-10 of the Kings Cross train station, with her ghost being reported to haunt passages under the station. Harry Potter in the meanwhile claimed Platform 9¾ to catch his magic train to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Stiff competition using the KX platforms for all sorts of activities it seems.
Kings Cross of today was shaped on a drawing board. Designed to be an up-and-coming place to go. And you know what: Success! KX stands for well executed urban planning and is transformed into an arty and hip space hosting renowned Central St Martins Design College, offering a plethora of bars, restaurants, edgy concept retail, luxury apartments and green relaxation spots complemented by the picturesque Regent’s Canal waterway and its historic St Pancras Lock.
Hats off to KX Development. They did not only build but understood to integrate existing structures and seem to have recognised how important it is to ingest life and interest after you have built stuff to make your investment worthwhile. So they try hard to promote their development.
Anyone remembering the natural bathing pool as quirky and accessible art installation amongst bustling construction sites some years ago? Adorable.
Shame really this sustainable swimming pool had to make way to a relaxation seeking passers-by inviting lawn. At least the “Skip Garden” is still there. What started as a sustainable collage of recycled material greenhouses and urban vegetable patches planted in waste containers has now been transformed into a wider community project.
And oh, there’s the quirky “word on the water” book barge, the Camley Street Natural Park, the House of Illustration and Ping Pong tables for everyone.
Do I hear the outcry “oh, come on, but that’s all yet another gentrified commercial development”? I see where those voices are coming from. The average flat at KX commands a 7-figure investment and the goods for sale in its concept stores are not for the faint-hearted spender.
One just hopes that the right balance between commercial, residential and free flowing creative urban spirit will be kept.
Still, we like it so far. And you don’t have to spend money there. Just watch the scene sitting on one of the green spaces or enjoy the free movies or Wimbledon on big screen this summer:
https://www.kingscross.co.uk/summer-love-film-festival
I shall keep you informed about the next chapter for this fresh urban hub.