Two Granary Square is a distinctive office building from the 1850s adapted by architects John McAslan + Partners.

The 160-year-old building, has had new life breathed into it and is now home to The Art Fund. The project was a challenging mix of restoration and new build. Works to the outside of the building were kept to a minimum so as to preserve as much of the historic fabric as possible, in much the same style as that of the acclaimed Granary Building. Internally the building has been opened up through the creation of open plan floors.

About the restoration

The Art Fund worked closely with King’s Cross and the architect John McAslan + Partners on the design of the building. Sensitive changes to the exterior of the building preserved the historic fabric enhances the building’s contribution to the surrounding area. Unsympathetic external additions were be removed and the original brickwork was cleaned and repaired. The renovation included the insertion of a new lift, a dramatic atrium connecting the upper floors and the provision of open place office spaces and informal meeting areas. The upper floors are used as offices and the ground floor is a gallery space. Architect John McAslan said: “This is a remarkable opportunity to reinvigorate a building by Cubitt. Our sensitive transformation will bring Cubitt’s building firmly into the 21st century – an example of adaptive re-use that characterises much of the regeneration at King’s Cross.”

Regeneration House
The building was originally conceived as the nerve-centre of the original King’s Cross Goods Yard. It suffered extensive bomb damage during World War II and was refurbished in the 1980s by the London Regeneration Consortium when it was given the name Regeneration House. Located off York Way and part of the Regent’s Canal Conservation Area, the building occupies a prominent location overlooking the Regent’s Canal. It sits alongside other important heritage buildings at King’s Cross which have or will soon be restored including the Grade II listed Granary Complex (home to Central Saint Martins), East and West Handyside Canopies and the Midland Goods Shed. You can read more about the historic buildings at King’s Cross here.