Renovation of London's Historic King's Cross Station Is Completed
Source: http://www.news.sky.com
#kingscross #station #uk #london #transportation #construction
A five-year renovation of London's King's Cross Station is now complete and the glorious new hub will formally open to the public on March 19, reported The Inhabitat. Designed by John McAslan + Partners, the renovation was a three part project that included a re-use, a restoration and a new build. The train shed and range buildings were adapted and re-used, the station's previously obscured Grade I listed facade has been delicately restored, and the new Western Concourse is the showcase of the project. The semi-circular concourse also features a 150 meter free spanning roof that floods the space with natural daylight. On top of all that, the US$ 784 million renovation included improved passenger circulation, a photovoltaic system, and new skylights for the train shed. More than 1 thousand tons of steel, 1 million specially-made heritage bricks, 5 million ceramic tiles and five million meters of cabling were used in the building with more than 5 thousand people working on the project.
As the station was originally built in 1852 and listed as a Grade I facility, the facade had to remain fully intact. The renovation had to carefully and creatively restore and keep this intact while opening the space up for passengers and providing room for rail utilities and offices, along with new cafes, bars and retail. The Western Concourse will be the new beating hearts of the station when it's officially opened up to passengers come Monday, March 19th. The free spanning roof emerges next to the historic facade and expands up and over the concourse to provide uninterrupted space to move. Naturally daylit through the translucent ceiling, the room is bright and cheery, a welcome departure from the once gloomy station.
Beyond the new construction, the train shed was fully revamped to improve passenger circulation, access and the overall aesthetic. A huge new skylight system over the tracks transforms the space into something bright and welcoming. A rooftop photovoltaic system will generate 10-20 percent of the stations energy needs as well.
King's Cross railway station, also known as London King's Cross, is a major London railway terminus opened in 1852. It stands on the northern edge of central London and is one of 18 UK stations managed by Network Rail. King's Cross was originally designed and built as the London hub of the Great Northern Railway and terminus of the East Coast main line. It took its name from the Kings Cross area of London, itself named after a monument to King George IV that was demolished in 1845. Plans for the station were first made in December 1848 and the detailed design was by Lewis Cubitt.
As the station was originally built in 1852 and listed as a Grade I facility, the facade had to remain fully intact. The renovation had to carefully and creatively restore and keep this intact while opening the space up for passengers and providing room for rail utilities and offices, along with new cafes, bars and retail. The Western Concourse will be the new beating hearts of the station when it's officially opened up to passengers come Monday, March 19th. The free spanning roof emerges next to the historic facade and expands up and over the concourse to provide uninterrupted space to move. Naturally daylit through the translucent ceiling, the room is bright and cheery, a welcome departure from the once gloomy station.
Beyond the new construction, the train shed was fully revamped to improve passenger circulation, access and the overall aesthetic. A huge new skylight system over the tracks transforms the space into something bright and welcoming. A rooftop photovoltaic system will generate 10-20 percent of the stations energy needs as well.
King's Cross railway station, also known as London King's Cross, is a major London railway terminus opened in 1852. It stands on the northern edge of central London and is one of 18 UK stations managed by Network Rail. King's Cross was originally designed and built as the London hub of the Great Northern Railway and terminus of the East Coast main line. It took its name from the Kings Cross area of London, itself named after a monument to King George IV that was demolished in 1845. Plans for the station were first made in December 1848 and the detailed design was by Lewis Cubitt.
