£100m to transform King'sCross

A massive scheme to regenerate King's Cross could see the area renamed Regent Quarter in the hope of eliminating its scheme as a haven for drug dealers and prostitutes.

Developers P&O say the £100 million scheme, which has been approved by Islington council, will transform the area into an upmarket tourist and residential district. Work is due to begin in the spring.

An earlier scheme was rejected because it failed to recognise the area's historic significance or provide enough housing. P&O came back with plans which retain more of the existing buildings, fewer offices and 138 new homes - including 35 for key workers, as well as a 276-bedroom hotel, art gallery, health club and swimming pool, shops, restaurants and leisure complex.

P&O says the Regent Quarter regeneration project "will lift the whole area by assisting in the expulsion of anti-social and criminal activities".

The scheme also promises traffic improvements for safer and quieter streets and up to 2,500 new jobs.

The main architectural features of King's Cross are the large historic industrial buildings which were once varnishing works, iron foundries, brass and tin works.

These blocks are to be opened up to the public by a network of pedestrian routes, the principal one running from Pentonville Road in the south, to Wharfdale Road in the north.

Restaurants and cafes will be located "at key points" to bring life to previously private 19th century courtyards. In one, a twostorey stable once owned by the London General Omnibus Company is virtually unchanged.

P&O has agreed that all the buildings due for demolition or substantial alteration will be surveyed so that a written and photographic record exists for future reference.

The plans have been welcomed locally. Sir Bob Reid, chairman of the King's Cross Partnership, said: "I am thrilled at the committee's decision to approve P&O's application.

"The redevelopment of this site will complement the major London Underground works currently under way at King's Cross and St Pancras stations, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the eventual redevelopment of King's Cross Central.

"Together these schemes will transform King's Cross into a new gateway to Europe and form a key element in London's world city status."