The transformation of King’s Cross over the last decade has paved the way for a new destination in London that is internationally recognised as one of the world’s exemplar mixed-use redevelopments.

67 acres reverberating with history have been transformed into a district alive with homes, shops, offices, galleries, bars, restaurants, schools and a university. Even the postcode is new: N1C.

Savills was formally appointed on behalf of the developer Argent LLP as preleasing and leasing advisor for the office buildings at King’s Cross in 2008, having provided development consultancy advice since 2000. By the end of 2018 we had advised Argent LLP on the letting of nearly 3.5 million sq ft to occupiers including Havas, Universal Music, Google, Nike, Facebook and Sony Music.

This once overlooked sub-market of London is now attracting global and local occupiers alike but, much more than that, King’s Cross has become a vibrant mix of buildings and public spaces, used seven days a week, that offer a diverse and dynamic place to work, study and relax.

Remarkable buildings from London’s industrial past have been imaginatively reinvented with contemporary design. The public tertiary arts school UAL Central Saint Martins sits central to the site and was important in leading the way to creating an exciting community of mixed occupiers that are active around the clock. On site, students can be seen sitting in cafés side by side with office workers, local residents and visitors.

King’s Cross has been reinvigorated. With its canalside setting, exciting cultural scene and thriving business community of over 30,000 people, it has been further underwritten by Coal Drops Yard (CDY), a new retail destination for the city that opened in November 2018.

CDY boasts an exciting tenant mix with the likes of Miller Harris, The Drop, Barrafina, Form & Thread, 18 Montrose and many more. The attraction of King’s Cross is further underpinned by unrivalled transport connections and generous public realm. 

The success of King’s Cross exemplifies the importance of celebrating a place’s history, while shaping it for the future. There is nowhere else in the world quite like it, but a wish by many to replicate its success.

Further information

Read more: Case Study: King's Cross Central