All change at King’s Cross

PLANS for a £400million facelift of King's Cross railway station have been welcomed by residents. Consultation began this week on Network Rail's proposals, which include repositioning the station entrance, expanding the concourse, creating a piazza bigge

PLANS for a £400million facelift of King's Cross railway station have been welcomed by residents.

Consultation began this week on Network Rail's proposals, which include repositioning the station entrance, expanding the concourse, creating a piazza bigger than Leicester Square and restoring the station's historic facade.

Rupert Perry, chairman of the King's Cross Conservation Area Advisory Committee, said: "It shows a good development can keep the heritage stuff and build a nice modern building as well.

"We are happy about what's happening at St Pancras and now what is proposed for King's Cross. It is just Argent's bit in the middle we are not happy with. This shows them that good stuff can be done."

More than 100,000 people use King's Cross station each day and an extra 10 million passengers a year are expected to use the station by 2015 - one reason for the larger concourse.

After the consultation is concluded early next year plans will be submitted to Camden Council.

It is hoped that most of the work will be completed in time for the 2012 Olympics.