King’s Cross Clock Tower and Flag Towers
March, 10, 2023
At a Glance
Location: King’s Cross, London
Clients: Spence
Type of Project: Strengthening works & Restoration Strategy
Scope of Services: Civil Engineering
Project Summary
VEDA specified the processes and oversaw a major restoration project at King’s Cross Rail Station’s iconic clock tower and adjacent east and west flag towers. Owned by Network Rail (NR) but unused for a number of years, the station’s Grade I listed structures had fallen into a state of disrepair. The restoration was part of the mid-19th century-built station’s £550m redevelopment scheme.
As part of the contract, VEDA’s Associate Director David Booth determined the strengthening works required before devising a restoration strategy.
The windows of each tower benefitted from the installation of louver panels, ironmongery was installed, repairs were made to existing thresholds and worn out York stone slabs were replaced.
Within all the three towers, structural assessments were carried out on all the structural floor plates and strengthening works to the timber floors were specified, with the introduction of new steelwork.
VEDA employed an electrical consultant carry out the electrical design works, which included the replacement of the existing distribution board and the redirection of a number of cables.
VEDA worked collaboratively with key stakeholders – NR, English Heritage and the London Borough of Camden – to ensure preservation of the Grade I listed building. Drawings and specifications were communicated to each body for review throughout the process and listed building consent was obtained from the council.
“It was a case of negotiating what NR envisaged would be achieved by the renovation programme with what English Heritage would allow given the structures’ listed status,” said David.