King's Cross Central (KXC) is a multi-billion pound mixed-use property development in central London. The site is owned and controlled by London and Continental Railways (LCR) and Exel, which selected Argent St George to be the developer for King's Cross Central, after an extensive selection process. The site consists of approximately 65 acres (25 hectares) of former railway lands, mostly to the north of King's Cross and St Pancras mainline railway stations. The site is largely determined by three boundaries: the existing East Coast Main Line railway leading out of King's Cross; York Way, a road marking the division between Camden and Islington; and the new railway line, High Speed 1 (HS1), formerly known as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, which curves around the site to the north and west.
A small section of the project, known as the "Triangle Site", falls within the boundaries of Islington. Camden Council granted outline planning permission for the main part of the site in early 2006. This has now been approved by the national government and the Mayor of London, although separate planning permission for the Triangle Site is still required from Islington Council.
The majority of the land at King's Cross Central was used for HS1 construction purposes from July 2001 until autumn 2007. Following the opening of HS1 on 14 November 2007, and with outline planning permission, GLA (Greater London Authority) and GOL approval, the developer Argent Group PLC is now at work. Several buildings are under construction, and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design of the University of the Arts London has become the first occupant of new premises and one of the listed buildings.
The master planners for the development are Allies and Morrison, Demetri Porphyrios, and Townshend Landscape Architects.
Read more about King's Cross Central: Organisations Within or Immediately Adjacent To The Area, Key Facts
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