HISTORICAL buildings haven't escaped Argent s modernising zeal and the planned changes to two monuments are already causing a stir. Controversy surrounds proposals to re-erect King's Cross s four Victorian gasholders on the Northern canal bank and conver

HISTORICAL buildings haven't escaped Argent's modernising zeal and the planned changes to two monuments are already causing a stir.

Controversy surrounds proposals to re-erect King's Cross's four Victorian gasholders on the Northern canal bank and convert three into flats.

Angela Inglis, a local photographer currently holding an exhibition on the gasholders, said: "It is very good that they are going to put all the holders back together but the designs look very heavy.

"They are going to put a restaurant on the top of one which is a good idea but it's a shame they haven't put leisure throughout."

The fourth gasholder will be developed into a children's park with amphitheatre style seating.

In another controversial project, the 19th century tenement Southern Stanley building in Pancras Road is going to be surrounded by modern buildings and linked to one by a five-storey glass corridor.

Ms Inglis said: "There are some lovely chimney pots on top of the Stanley building, which would be lost. It's an interesting building they could do something wonderful with it."

The local conservation area advisory committee has also pledged to fight Argent's plans to demolish the second Stanley building, the Culross buildings and the old canal walls.

Member Jeannie Burnett said: "We wanted them to develop around these landmarks - not knock them down. Once these buildings are gone there is no getting them back.

"The two Stanley buildings go as a pair and I can't see any reason why they can't be kept like that.

"From a heritage point of view there's not much going for us in these plans but we are very prepared to do battle over them.