Creating a lush, healthy neighbourhood - rich with natural life
Green infrastructure at King’s Cross
We have had the great privilege at King’s Cross, to create a new part of London from what was an under-used industrial site. This new neighbourhood has been built around a green framework. More than 40% of the 67-acre development is given over to open space. A new network of streets and footpaths lead through new parks, gardens and leafy squares. As well as this, Regent’s Canal flows through the heart of the neighbourhood.
These routes, and the waterway, link with a wider network of green spaces in Camden and Islington. Over 400 new trees are being planted and where possible, walls and roofs are greened. King’s Cross is now a lush, green neighbourhood, rich with natural life.
As well as creating a pleasant environment for everyone to enjoy, these green spaces deliver a whole range of economic and health benefits. They help wildlife to flourish and reduce the risk of flooding. The new trees for example provide shade, enhance air quality by absorbing pollutants and offer a resting place for birds.
Two acres of wild green space
We are also lucky to have Camley Street Natural Park as our neighbour. This charming two-acre nature reserve on the banks of Regent’s Canal is run by London Wildlife Trust. The park was created from an old coal yard back in 1984, and is today home to birds, butterflies, bats and a whole variety of plant life. It’s hard to believe you’re right next to London’s biggest and busiest transport hub.
We work closely with the Trust to enhance the park and to create a new visitor centre for learning and exploring nature.
Working with the London Wildlife Trust
The Trust also works with us to help plan, manage and enhance biodiversity across the development. This includes helping us to monitor biodiversity, water quality and with a strategy for the green roofs at King’s Cross, such as the one shown here at Four Pancras Square.
Through snapshot surveys, they are helping us build a picture of how King’s Cross is becoming a place for nature, as well as ensuring that we minimise our impact on waterways, especially during the construction phase.
Living roofs and walls
The green walls and roofs at King’s Cross encourage flora and fauna to flourish in every possible space. 200m of green walls have been planted since 2012, including the one shown here, which is on Goods Way.
As well as providing green outside space for the people who live and work in the buildings, the roofs supporting biodiversity and minimise the urban heat island effect by providing increased insulation.
The roof garden at Two Pancras Square is an example. Designed by Townshend Landscape Architects, this garden provides a retreat not just for the people who work in the building, but also for bees, insects and birds.
Delivering Green Infrastructure
We are working with a whole range of organisations to deliver a green King’s Cross. We partner with respected landscape architects, ecologists, designers and maintenance teams who create and maintain the parks, squares and streets.
Infrastructure specialists are advising on sustainable urban drainage (SUDS) and rainwater collection to help reduce the impact on local watercourses.
