As King’s Cross Central solidifies its position as a new mixed-use district in the heart of the capital, Argent, the developer behind the 8m sq ft project, has continued to create new reasons to visit the area.
Coal Drops Yard is the latest addition. The 100,000 sq ft redevelopment behind Kings Cross station has focussed on bringing fresh new, visionary and largely independent retailers to N1. Here we give you an overview of the capital’s coolest new retail destination.
The new neighbourhood is a unique and wonderfully atmospheric canvas for retailers, and when it opens, the Coal Drops at its centre will be a vibrant and truly different place to shop. From autumn 2018 there will be 20m people a year visiting for a carefully chosen selection of the best in apparel, design, homeware and lifestyle in beautifully repurposed heritage spaces
Craig White, project director, Argent
What is Coal Drops Yard?
The viaducts of Coal Drops Yard were where trains travelling to King’s Cross would unload coal into carts. The viaducts fell into disuse as London became less and less dependent on coal. The yard laid empty and unloved for many years, but Argent with starchitect Thomas Heatherwick, is now bringing the grand brick aches back to life.
CDY – what you need to know
■ Built in 1850s
■ 65 shops
■ 100,000 sq ft
■ Hosted London Fashion Week since 2010
■ Opens October 2018
CDY tenants
Retailers
■ Cheaney
■ Form & Thread
■ Universal Works
■ Paul Smith
■ Cubitts – 502 sq ft
■ Manifesto
■ Lost Property of London – 874 sq ft
■ Tracy Nuels
Leisure
■ Barrafina
■ Casa Pastor
■ The Drop
Agents
■ Cushman & Wakefield
■ Hanover Green
■ Nash Bond
British label Tom Dixon is opening more than a shop at CDY, it is taking the 17,500 sq ft Coal Office for a new head office, showroom, restaurant and café and store.
London isn’t just another city. It is where is all started. We will use these 17,500 sq ft in this incredible location to broadcast our latest ideas in interior design, product innovation and experiments in food, functionality and future living.
Tom Dixon
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