- Camden resolve to grant first major detailed application at King’s Cross
Planning permission for new campus for Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design – a College of University of the Arts London - Over 55,000 sq m of floor space to be developed for College and other uses
- New public square the size of Trafalgar Square to be created in front of College
- Construction work to start on site in summer 2008 – £180m design and build contract
The Granary Complex, a famous Victorian listed building and its associated offices and sheds which once managed the storage and distribution of grain in the 19th century is to be imaginatively converted into a new University site as part of the first detailed planning application for the 67 acre King’s Cross site.
London Borough of Camden approved the planning permission for this area known as the Eastern Goods Yard which lies north of Regent’s Canal within the heart of the King’s Cross development. The buildings that form part of the complex include the Granary building, the Eastern and Western Transit Sheds, the Assembly Shed and the East and West Granary Offices. All were once part of the goods interchange at the height of the Victorian industrial boom and will now form part of a new campus for Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.
As part of the application, Argent and landowners London & Continental Railways and DHL-Exel will also develop two new buildings – a large studio space for the University and a mixed use free standing Pavilion building, overlooking the new square and also opening out onto the Regent’s canal at lower level.
Granary Square, as it will be known, will be a new London square, one of the largest in the capital and form a focal point to the area. It has the ability to host a variety of events and activities. It will feature large water fountains referencing the original use of the space as a canal basin for loading and unloading goods into the Granary building.
In total around 55,000 sq m of floor space will be developed as part of this planning permission, 39,000 sq m occupied by the University and the remaining will be a mix of retail, office, food and drink uses located in the Western Transit Shed and Pavilion building. In addition the permission provides for nearly 25,000 sq m of public space including Granary Square, new and enhanced streets and a much improved canal towpath and access points.
In keeping with the design credentials of the rest of the 67 acre site, the Eastern Goods Yard buildings will draw hot water and electricity from the site wide combined heat and power (CHP) system. The building designs have been optimised to reduce the need for artificial lighting, maximising the usage of natural daylight. In addition,as part of the renewables strategy for the development, 800m2 of photovoltaic cells will be installed on the Handyside Canopy, east of the Granary complex.
The world famous College, which boasts renowned alumni including fashion designers Stella McCartney and John Galliano, actors Anne-Marie Duff and Colin Firth, and artists Antony Gormley and Gilbert and George, will take occupation ready for the 2011 / 2012 academic year.
Designed by Stanton Williams Architects, the student’s King’s Cross home will ensure Central Saint Martins has a state-of-the-art campus that will allow it to focus its art, design, communication and performance departments on one site whilst incorporating and retaining much of the industrial heritage of the area.
The designs for the College mix the height, scale and grain of the historic Grade II buildings with a contemporary light-filled building providing flexible spaces for art, design and dance studios, a theatre, exhibition space, cafes, a bar and roof gardens.
Robert Evans, Director, Argent, said;
“Securing this consent is a major step for King’s Cross. We said from the start this would be a genuine mixed community – not just offices and a few homes – and this decision reflects that. With the University right at the heart of the development we hope it will act as a catalyst for creative industries in the area and compliment some of the other occupiers that we are already in discussions with.”
Richard Meier, Project Manager, Argent, said:
“This is fantastic news and shows that King’s Cross is ready for business with enabling works for the Eastern Goods Yard starting in May and construction on site in the summer. The incorporation of the heritage of these buildings into our plans and designs will set the precedent as we progress other areas of the site and shows how we can truly incorporate modern design with the industrial past.”
Paul Williams, Director, Stanton Williams, said:
“It has been a privilege to work on such an ambitious scheme that will bring life back to the Granary Complex. It is a heroic industrial building with a raw beauty and character that London will be able to enjoy to the full. Our design draws inspiration from the ambition and scale of its Victorian architectural setting and introduces a strong contemporary intervention that celebrates the juxtaposition of old and new in its detailing. The thought of 5,000 energetic students inhabiting this once redundant and isolated building on a daily basis is breathtaking.”
Sir Michael Bichard, Rector, University of the Arts London said:
“The relocation of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design to a new state of the art home at King’s Cross will help strengthen University of the Arts London’s position as an international leader in art and design education.
“The new refurbished Granary building will provide students and staff with a magnificent landmark building, purpose designed facilities, and a location at the very heart of London’s newest, and best connected international creative quarter.”
Work will start on Eastern Goods Yard in summer 2008 and the design and build contract for the College, other historic buildings and public realm is one of the largest in Central London, worth up to £180m.