‘Lazy’ plans for Kings Cross shopping pavilion put on ice after outcry

The proposal for a new pavilion at Coal Drops Yard has been shelved after objections from locals including artist Sir Antony Gormley.

Developer Related Argent said it was “pausing” the planning application “to review the feedback” received.

Sir Antony, who lives in a converted former gasholder near Coal Drops Yard, criticised the scheme’s “lack of imagination”, calling it “a lazy solution in a place that deserves more.”

Coal Drops Yard, designed by King’s Cross station architect Lewis Cubitt in the mid-19th-century, was once an important industrial hub for receiving and distributing coal across Britain.

It was redeveloped with designer Thomas Heatherwick in 2018, featuring modern ‘kissing roofs’ above the original yard.

But the new plans for a pavilion-style building dividing the coal yard into narrower shopping streets were slammed for making the historic building look like “a duty-free mall”.

The Angel of the North creator argued that the proposed single-storey structure, made of stained timber and panelled ‘shingle’ roof, would “compromise” the open space within the central yard.

The King’s Cross Conservation Area Advisory Committee claimed it had not been consulted and warned the pavilion would “cause unacceptable harm” by obstructing views through the redeveloped yard.

David Partridge, chairman of Related Argent, the development manager of the King’s Cross estate, told the Evening Standard on Wednesday: “We are pausing the planning application for the proposed Coal Drops Yard Pavilion at King’s Cross to provide time to review the feedback we have received and then evolve the proposals.”

He explained that the plans had developed over the past four years after conversations with visitors, workers, residents, and retailers.

He added: “We will now continue our engagement locally to help us refine aspects of the design proposals and identify a solution that supports the vibrancy of the area and creates more reasons to visit, at the same time as continuing to respect heritage.”

Related Argent had said the pavilion proposal had been brought forward following feedback from customers who wanted to see more accessible brands, grab-and-go food options and an improved customer journey through Coal Drops Yard.