neighbouring areas
The seedy streets of King’s Cross are shining once again.
Living in King’s Cross
Kings Cross used to be renowned for problems including drugs, prostitution and street crime, but a £2billion regeneration programme is really helping the area lose its seedy reputation.
The arrival of the Eurostar terminus at St. Pancras International Station, the development of 67 acres of land behind the station, and the shuttle service to the Olympic site at Stratford will only strengthen values of homes in the future.
The older properties are mainly mid-Victorian terraces around Caledonian Road and the streets heading towards Angel, and ex-local authority blocks.
By the canal basin, new-build flats and luxury warehouse conversions form the bulk of property, and at the top end of the market there are penthouses available with views across London.
Landmark developments such as Regents Quarter and St Pancras Chambers have really put King’s Cross property back on the map.
King’s Cross has the buzz of an upcoming area, is in the heart of London and has unbeatable transport links.
The area has a lot more amenities now, such as supermarkets, cafés and bars, and the issues residents used to have with safety a few years ago have all but disappeared.
Transport
King’s Cross is exceptionally well connected. The complex that makes up the King’s Cross/St. Pancras hub has links to Scotland, Gatwick and Luton airports, the north of England and the south coast.
The arrival of the Eurostar terminus at St. Pancras International Station provides a fast rail link to Europe.
There is access to several tube lines from King’s Cross/St. Pancras including the Victoria, Piccadilly, Northern, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Circle lines.
The area also has a good number of bus routes into the city and the west end.
Motorists can gain easy access to the A1 (M) for routes out of London to the North.
For more detailed information on travelling around London and congestion charges visit www.tfl.gov.uk.
History and culture
The original "King’s Cross" was a monument to King George IV who reigned between 1820 and 1830.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw the arrival of first canals and then railways. These transformed an, until then, semi-rural King’s Cross into an urban area of slums and workman’s lodgings.
King’s Cross is famous for children’s favourite, Harry Potter. In the books Harry’s train to Hogwarts leaves from platform nine and three quarters.
The area has a significant number of community organised annual events – King’s Cross County Show, Festival of Cultures, Hillview Festival and the Bangladeshi Mela.
These events showcase local talent and enterprise, helping to reinforce the area’s strong community networks.
King’s Cross is also home to The British Library, The Place (contemporary dance theatre and school), Raw Creative (award-winning music and media project for local young people) and the London Canal Museum.
For further information please visit: www.camden.gov.uk, www.britishmuseum.org
