On the station roof. Then we went into the tower bhind the clock face
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- 1.Hearing about improvments made at Lincons Inn Fields
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- 2. 3 hours charging, and parking for free at new electric car charging point
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- 3. Becoming common place, pavement level loading bays help widen ped area. Existing drainage used.
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- 4. Rail type motor cycle locking facilities replaced by less obtrusive ground rings
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- 5. Use of central reserve for parking
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- 6. The ‘Camden seat’ in use
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- 7. imporved crossing near Chancery Lane station
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- 8. Lighting placed on buildings on City side of Chancery Lane.
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- 9. Chancery Lane decluttered and pavements widened
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- 10. This is special paving that is meant to absorb air pollutants – but we were told there is no proof it works yet
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- 11. All kitted out and ready to see Kings Cross station works
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- 12. The ‘Fan’ in all its glory.
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- 13 These will be shops and resturants
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- 14 Work ongoing on St Pancras side of new Kings Cross station.
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- 15 Hearing all about it – why, how etc.
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- On the station roof. Then we went into the tower bhind the clock face
On 9th of sept 2011 a group of about 20 went on a energetic and fascinating site visit. Little did we know when we met at the LSE at 1pm that we would be walking around till about 6pm!
We saw a variety of interventions in Camden streets to help improve the walking environment, including a trial of de – nox paving, pavement widening, better crossings, new seats, better signposting, pavement level loading bays, building mounted lighting and so on. each might be a relatively small change but together they help to change perceptions of walking in the area. Tim Long from Camden gave very informative explinations all the way.
Then we went to Kings Cross station where network rail took us on a tour of the station works. There was certainly a ‘wow factor’ when we first saw the new concourse from the mezzanine level. We had a peak in the converted listed building too, including a very large new pub that will be opening next year and the control room with its balcony overlooking the original tracks.
Finaly we scaled scaffold and ladders to go on the train shed roof and up into the clock tower – which we were told was also going to be a pub.
The most surreal moment came when we descended a narrow staircase in the quiet of the still musty and dark clock tower to emergency onto the platforms in the middle of Frdiday evening rush hour. We might not have come through the wall from platform 9 3/4 but it had that feel!
Many thanks for all who helped with this visit – not only was it very interesting, it got us a bit fitter too.
Here are some pictures.
