CSMP - King's Cross Project

Question 1

Summarise the success in the rebranding of King’s Cross.

Answer 1

One of the largest and most successful redevelopments in London. The location, connections and heritage create a strong sense of local community.

Question 2

What is the market-led rebranding strategy?

Answer 2

Private investors aiming to make a profit.

Question 3

What strategy is used for the King’s Cross project?

Answer 3

Heritage - Making use of the rich heritage of the region, transforming monuments.

Question 4

What was King’s Cross like? (19th Century)

Answer 4

Rural idyll > Industrial heartland

The completion of Regent’s Canal in 1820 made the area well linked to cities in the North, bringing both goods and industries to the area.

Addition of railways in the mid 1800s further transformed the area into an important industrial and transport hub.

Question 5

What was King’s Cross like? (post WWII - late 20th century)

Answer 5

Area went into decline. A ‘graveyard’ of derelict warehouses and disused buildings. Had a big prostitution problem and lots of clubs in the area. Known for its nightlife. Lots of crime and unemployment = poor quality environment.

Question 6

What is King’s Cross like? (present day)

Answer 6

A rejuvenated area with new streets, squares and parks, homes, shops, offices, galleries, bars, restaurants, libraries and a university. A thriving businesses community and strong sense of local community.

Question 7

What was the catalyst for change in King’s Cross?

Answer 7

1996 - Decision to move the Eurostar service from Waterloo to King’s Cross.

Question 8

What roles and players were involved in the placemaking of King’s Cross?

Answer 8

Stakeholders - Camden Council and King’s Cross Development Forum

Landholders - LCR and DHL

Developer - Argent

Ownership - DfT (Department for Transport)

Question 9

Who made up the King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership?

Answer 9

• DHL
• LCR
• Argent

Question 10

What area is Argent currently developing?

Answer 10

Tottenham Hale

Question 11

What was Principles for a Human City?

Answer 11

A vision formed from intensive studies and consultations with the local community and government for the development of the area.

Question 12

What occurred between 2001 - 2006?

Answer 12

The 5-year public consultation - gathering views of local people, across 4000 meetings.

This formed the solution to create a safe and welcoming environment to combat the tarnished image of the area and create new opportunities for people.

Question 13

What were plans of change to the streetscape and buildings?

Answer 13

Permission was granted for 50 new buildings, 20 new streets, 10 new public spaces and the refurbishment of 20 historic buildings and structures.

2,000 homes also to be refurbished.

Question 14

What was the Design of the Public Realm?

Answer 14

The design of King’s Cross connects people to people with a continuum of outdoor areas and sometimes large indoor areas.

A goal is to generate pedestrian movement and activity, with uninterrupted flow of spaces, routes and views.

Question 15

What are some large features of King’s Cross today?

Answer 15

King’s Cross Station
St Pancras International

British Library
Kings Place
Regent Quarter

St Pancras Old Church

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

Camley Street Natural Park

Question 16

Where did much of the investment go to?

Answer 16

Granary Square - A public, traffic-free space with 1000 choreographed fountains.

The refurbishment of Victorian buildings around the original Goods Yard.

Central Saint Martins, University of Arts, London (UAL) - world famous art college. Welcomes 5000 students and staff.

Question 17

What was the previous brandscape/brand essence?

Answer 17

Unsafe, derelict urban space, a landscape dominated by obselete transportation technology. An infamous red-light district in London.

Question 18

What is the current brandscape/brand essence after the rebranding project?

Answer 18

Accessed and enjoyed by the public, an area symbolising rejuvenation and creativity with its fountains, buildings and university. A very well-connected area through transport and access to shops and activities.