King's Cross Central | Camden & Islington | U/C

[RedArkady]

Originally Posted by *Nurse*

I've realised why it's taking so long to pave Granary Square. They must be getting the art students to do it, because no-one who has ever even tiled a bathroom would make this kind of horlicks of it.

Ah, doubters gonna doubt!

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DSC01546 by RedArkady, on Flickr

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DSC01554 by RedArkady, on Flickr

Loving the reuse of old tracks, turntables and granite sets:

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DSC01553 by RedArkady, on Flickr
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DSC01552 by RedArkady, on Flickr
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DSC01556 by RedArkady, on Flickr
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[*Nurse*]

Hmmm. I apologize to those who implemented such stupid plans.

I would have preferred a simpler design that could have been completed last year, but maybe that's why I never went to art school.

[RedArkady]

Originally Posted by *Nurse*

Hmmm. I apologize to those who implemented such stupid plans.

I would have preferred a simpler design that could have been completed last year, but maybe that's why I never went to art school.

I sympathise with your impatience. Do keep in mind thought that the delay in finishing the square (it was originally due to open last year at the same time as the Granary/University) is due to delays in starting because of cash-flow problems, not because of the complexity of the design.

Also, arguing in favour of a lower-quality or unsophisticated design in order to get something completed early…. I don’t think that will usually get you very far, on these forums or elsewhere!

It’ll look ace. It opens in less than three weeks.

[Angle42]

Brilliant photographs as ever!

I continue to dispair over the quality of the architetcure of the blocks in rthe last three photos. The block in the second from the bottom photo reminds me of a bluilding on the Soth Bank that was built in the 60's

[delores]

I know its very plain indeed.

[hoodedvillain]

Granary square taken yesterday

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/22794140@N06/7201760758/sizes/l/in/photostream/

[RedArkady]

Nice to see the streets sweepers! Final stages… just the edge barriers and a few heritage features to finish now, along with final tweaks to the fountains (which are currently being tested).

Interesting to see how R4 and R5 divide opinion so much. I think they look splendid in the flesh; the quality of the materials and detailing is rather striking.

[Angle42]

Originally Posted by RedArkady

Nice to see the streets sweepers! Final stages… just the edge barriers and a few heritage features to finish now, along with final tweaks to the fountains (which are currently being tested).

Interesting to see how R4 and R5 divide opinion so much. I think they look splendid in the flesh; the quality of the materials and detailing is rather striking.

I guess that it is R4 that I mainly object to. I like the brick used on R5 and there is intresting texture the to finish of the building. R4 seems bland in comparison...

[RedArkady]

Interesting. I prefer R4. I like the London stock-esque bricks, and love the glazed red brick detailing paying homage to the former underground station opposite. I like the detailing on R5, but the purple/pink colour scheme is a bit much for me.

[RedArkady]

http://www.kingscrosscentral.com/art...ling%20Station

Carmody Groarke Create the King's Cross Filling Station

Having set out to create a strong 'sense of place' in an area of central London that is going through great change, King's Cross has been working with Carmody Groarke on their latest project at the 67-acre development. An architectural identity has been created for the King's Cross Filling Station, previously a disused petrol station on a part of the site adjacent to York Way and the Regent's Canal.

A robust concept has been developed by Office of Change, whereby the King's Cross Filling Station will encompass a semi-permanent structure, a restaurant and social space, and an engaging cultural arts programme, re-using the existing building and canopy forecourt. The restaurant is set to open 24 May, and the forecourt in mid-June, while the cultural arts programme will commence towards the end of June.

A 200m long x 4m high transparent and curvaceous fibreglass enclosure, sets the King's Cross Filling Station apart from the busy road along York Way, where sweeping curved walls create a sequence of spaces leading to the canal-side. While providing definition to the rooms both inside and out, the fibreglass walls of the site will be illuminated from behind their surface at night, and in doing so, create a landmark quality. By day sunlight shines through the translucent screens forming shadows that partly reveal the activity concealed behind.

Viewed from all sides, the main enclosure defines a large 'hall' beneath the station canopy overlooking the canal. The design is not so much about maximising the area, rather to create spaces that are more attractive and comfortable to guests in relation to the views and in the context of the site. The existing canopy from the disused petrol station forecourt creates a covered outside space that extends the possibilities of the restaurant and planned cultural programming.

Crucial to the project's inception is that this is a semi-permanent building, that will exist for two years, before new homes are built on the site as part of the King's Cross development. The issue of life span has informed the way in which Carmody Groarke have approached the build; reusing the existing canopy, shop and site services is critical to its viability. The structure for the enclosure is constructed from scaffolding and fibreglass cladding modules that can be recycled at the end of the project.

Carmody Groarke are also transforming the existing petrol station kiosk, into a new restaurant, which will have 50 covers, and is arranged around a kitchen, and central bar and dining area. The project brings a new social and cultural venue to King's Cross overlooking the Regent's Canal.

Kevin Carmody of Carmody Groarke says of their latest project: "Through creative re-use and adaptation of the existing canal-side structures, we have set out to create a strong 'sense of place' for this part of King’s Cross, with the installation of semi-permanent architectural interventions, allowing the site to transform into a destination for cultural events and a unique dining experience."

David Partridge, from King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership says: “It has been great to work with Office of Change, and Carmody Groarke, an innovative and young practice, to bring this part of the development to life. We were keen to find an imaginative interim use for the petrol station site and the extraordinary design they have produced has surpassed our expectations alongside a really interesting programme for the building. The King’s Cross Filling Station is sure to become a great food destination as well as an exciting cultural and social space for the next two years, and will make a big contribution to the new piece of the city which we are creating here.”

See the link for pictures. It's nearly finished already.

[hoodedvillain]

Isn't the square opening this weekend???!!!

[thedurringtondoctor]

Looks like Leipzig in 1962. I expect Harry Palmer to appear at any minute.

[RedArkady]

Originally Posted by hoodedvillain

Isn't the square opening this weekend???!!!

Maybe. I was told 1 June. I know there is a formal opening on 12 June, but I think that's actually a private invite-only event, so hardly a public opening. I'm waiting for an email - let you know when I know.

Save for some tinkering at the edges it certainly looks done. And they've been running the fountains for the last few days.

In fact they're on now, see: http://www.kingscrosscentral.com/webcam

[hoodedvillain]

It's open!

[ashlar]

Originally Posted by hoodedvillain

It's open!

It looks big and empty on that webcam!

I'll check it out in person tomorrow when I pop there for lunch.

[RedArkady]

Originally Posted by hoodedvillain

It's open!

No, it's not. They've withdrawn the hordings, and replaced some hoardings with a chain-link fence, but the vast majority of the square is still off-limits. It's finished though. I'm increasingly hearing 12 June as the opening, but I really wouldn't be surprised if they open it any time from today.

It looks INCREDIBLE at night. There are LED lights all over the place, even in the hand-rails.

[RedArkady]

Just opened! I’ll take some pictures after work.

[RedArkady]

Granary Square. Quite the space. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming events in the square now.

Sadly the fountains were on 'pond mode' when I was there.

I've included a few snaps of the Fish&Coal Offices - I can't wait to see them transformed. Note also the shots of the Western Transit Shed and Transit Street, both due to be opened in a few months.

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DSC01626 by RedArkady, on Flickr
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If anyone can tell me what's going on in this picture I'd be grateful!

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DSC01648 by RedArkady, on Flickr
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Apparently you fill these bags with water, and they gradually release it into the soil over the course of the day...

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DSC01653 by RedArkady, on Flickr

Some nice poetry inscribed here...

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All the restored heritage rails, turntables, stone sets etc are explained by the disc set in the ground. I'm not sure they've thought the rust problem through though.

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DSC01655 by RedArkady, on Flickr
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When the sun comes out the colour of the square really changes...

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These epic light poles make me think of Cybertect for some reason!

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They've nearly finished the southern towpath; just a loose brick here and there:

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And as I turned to go home...

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[Rational Plan]

Very nice, I hope they have some cafes and bars around the square, it could be a very buzzy yet relaxing space.

[Jamsterx]

This looks really impressive. Thanks for the pics RedArkady