Network Rail has today announced that the doors to the striking new concourse at King’s Cross station will open to passengers on 19 March, providing more space, better facilities and an improved range of shopping and food and drink outlets.

The opening will mark a major milestone in the redevelopment of the station, which started in 2007. It will be fully completed by the end of 2013 following the removal of the 1970s extension and canopy at the front of the station and the creation of a new 7,000m2 public square.

Ian Fry, Network Rail’s King’s Cross programme director, said: “On the outside passengers have seen King’s Cross station transforming before their eyes for the last five years. We have been working hard behind the scenes to create a blend of old and new architecture with a strong mix of facilities worthy of the new-look station.”

“Research tells us that passengers consistently rate high-quality facilities alongside convenient retail and catering as important station priorities. The new concourse at King’s Cross is designed to provide those facilities which will make journeys easier for passengers as well as appealing to those who like to combine their travel with a bit of shopping, eating or drinking.”

The opening of the new concourse will transform the way passengers use King’s Cross. Congestion at the station will be significantly reduced by new walking routes based on an innovative method of pedestrian modelling undertaken during the design phase of the project. A new one-way system will direct passengers to enter the station via the new concourse, and exit via the existing concourse at the bottom of the platforms, allowing better connections to other forms of public transport at both ends of the journey.

The high street brands which will be opening in the new concourse - some of which will be appearing in a British station for the first time - have also been unveiled.

Accessorize
Benito’s Hat*
American Apparel*
Caffe Nero
Boots
Fullers*
Hotel Chocolat
Giraffe*
ICE
Leon*
Kiehl’s*
M&S Simply Food
Oliver Bonas
Pasty Shop
Paperchase
Pret A Manger
T M Lewin
Prezzo*
W H Smith
Starbucks
Watermark *
Upper Crust
Wasabi
Yalla Yalla*

* New retailers to a station in Britain.