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King's Cross & St Pancras, London

King's Cross St Pancras Tube Sign. Image courtesy of Britain on View

The area of King's Cross in London has seen a great deal of development during the past few years. Visitors who remember King's Cross from days gone by will be surprised at the transformation of the area.

If you've arrived in London on the Eurostar, King's Cross St Pancras International station will be your first taste of the UK capital. And it's worth taking time to explore the vibrant area that surrounds this historical location.

History of King's Cross, London

King's Cross was named after a huge monument of King George IV from 1830, which stood where the railway station is now. King's Cross station was designed by the architect Lewis Cubitt and opened in 1852.

Following the Second World War, this busy industrial district underwent economic decline. By the 1990s, the district around King's Cross was in need of regeneration.

The King's Cross Partnership was established to fund regeneration projects. When the work on High Speed 1 started in 2000, this provided the impetus for other projects. Within a few years, the positive changes were coming to fruition, and new projects such as offices and hotels began to open.

Culture in King's Cross, London

British Library, London. Image courtesy of Britain on View

Relatively cheap rents and a Central London location made King's Cross area attractive to artists and designers. Both Antony Gormley and Thomas Heatherwick established studios in the area.

King's Cross has welcomed an increasing number of attractions and cultural establishments. The London Canal Museum opened in 1992, commemorating the importance of London's canals. In 1997, a new home for the British Library opened next to St Pancras Station. On display in this iconic building are some of the world's most famous written and printed items, such as the Magna Carta (1215) and Shakespeare's First Folio.

Nearby, the Foundling Museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, London's first home for abandoned babies. The cutting-edge Gagosian Gallery moved their main London premises to the area in 2004. The area also features a number of theatres, including the Shaw Theatre and the Bloomsbury Theatre.

King's Cross's Cultural Future

Regents Canal Copyright. Britain On View

With the opening of Kings Place, a development next to Regent's Canal in April 2008, even more cultural activity moved into the area. The London Sinfonietta, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and The Guardian and The Observer newspapers have all taken up residence in new development. Kings Place also hosts numerous art, music, live comedy and cultural events throughout the year.

King's Cross and St Pancras International

The much-publicised opening of St Pancras International has also helped King's Cross. Businesses have flocked to the area following the £800m restoration and extension of this unique London landmark into Europe's destination station.

Visitors and London locals alike are eagerly awaiting the opening of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in spring 2011.

Shopping in King's Cross

The Brunswick is one of London's best kept shopping secrets. Located in historic Bloomsbury, this iconic Grade II listed building provides a relaxing shopping environment with an eclectic mix of shops and entertainment. Here you can find a cinema, numerous restaurants and more than 40 shops selling everything from the latest fashions to everyday essentials.

Party in King's Cross

King's Cross is a great place to party! You'll find The Scala, the Big Chill House and Clockwork in close proximity. Venture a bit further north for Egg, a 3-floor club venue with a great outdoor area for lounging.