King's Cross makeover 'will divide old and new'
THE King's Cross development is set to create an us and them divide between old and new residents, according to the finance boss of a King's Cross Trust.
THE King's Cross development is set to create an "us and them" divide between old and new residents, according to the finance boss of a King's Cross Trust.
James Goodwin, finance manager of the King's Cross Community Development Trust, which represents 75 community groups in the area, fears the revamp will benefit new residents - and leave old residents out in the cold.
Plans submitted to Camden Council by Argent Ltd for redeveloping the 67-acres of railway lands, include a pool, children's centre, tram system and surgery.
But Mr Goodwin fears the facilities will be out of reach of Somers Town residents.
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He said: "The location of a lot of the facilities means they are there for new residents. People in Somers Town and Maiden Lane will have access from one bridge over Camley Street. How are they going to be encouraged to go? At night it wouldn't be a pleasant walk.
"We don't want a new King's Cross and an old King's Cross. It should just be one community - not us and them."
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Residents' views on the plans are being taken until November 21.
King's Cross Community Development Trust is holding a public meeting on November 14 at the London Welsh Centre, in Gray's Inn Road, King's Cross, at 6.30pm to discuss the proposals.
An Argent Ltd spokeswoman said: "The development will provide a range of benefits for Somers Town residents, not least opportunities for jobs and training, new health and leisure facilities, children's facilities, shopping, housing, and new open spaces.
"The proposed swimming pool would be easily accessed via Brill Place, and Goods Way, which is itself being improved as part of the development. The proposed Camley Street bridge would further improve accessibility between Somers Town and the development to the north of the canal.
