Pancras Square: The New Public Space in King’s Cross
Let’s face it—London isn’t exactly short on impressive squares. From the grandeur of Trafalgar Square to the greenery of Russell Square, there’s a square for every mood. But if you’re looking for a spot where sleek modern design meets old-school railway charm, Pancras Square is your next go-to.
Nestled just steps from two of London’s busiest transport hubs—King’s Cross Station and St Pancras International—Pancras Square is part of a truly transformative story. What was once an underutilised industrial corner of the city is now one of the capital’s hottest hangouts. Whether you're racing to catch the Eurostar or strolling in for lunch, this leafy plaza makes quite the impression.
But how did it all come to be? Let’s rewind.
The Transformation of King’s Cross
To understand Pancras Square, you’ve got to zoom out a little.
The broader King’s Cross redevelopment project is one of the largest and most ambitious urban regeneration projects the UK has ever seen. We're talking 72 acres of once-industrial land turned into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood, complete with cultural institutions, corporate HQs, public parks, fancy flats, and yes—fountains.
The master plan, led by a dream team of architects and urban planners—Allies and Morrison, Porphyrios Associates, and Townshend Landscape Architects—set out to give King’s Cross a total facelift. And they didn’t mess around. With over 40% of the area dedicated to public open space, the vision was clear: this wasn't just going to be another cluster of offices. It would be a destination.
Right in the heart of this is Pancras Square.
Pancras Square: From Grit to Green Space
A Former No-Go Zone, Now a Go-To Spot
Before the makeover, the area around King’s Cross was, let’s just say… not exactly a Sunday picnic spot. Fast-forward to now, and you’ll find Pancras Square is a 4,000 square metre open-air haven, with a tiered water feature flowing gently down a slope, setting the mood with trickling water and peaceful reflecting pools.
A Place to Pause
The square is designed to feel like a continental town plaza. Framed by not one, not two, but 396 cast-iron columns (seriously), it’s got an aesthetic that gives off modern flair with a nod to King's Cross’s gritty industrial past. And no, those aren’t your average B&Q columns—they were lovingly forged in a family-run Yorkshire foundry that's been crafting metal for over a century.
Need a break? There are loads of benches and lawn spots perfect for a sandwich, a coffee, or just some casual people-watching. It’s also a hotspot for local cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. Look south and you’ll catch a cinematic view of the iconic St Pancras Chambers Clock Tower.
The 63-Year-Old Centrepiece
At the centre of it all is a majestic Pin Oak tree, a kind of natural exclamation mark that ties the space together. Planted in 2014, this 12-metre-tall beauty is 63 years old and is basically the wise elder of the square.
The tree isn’t alone either—plenty of seasonal plants, hedges, and other tree species bring colour and texture year-round. From cherry blossoms in spring to fiery leaves in autumn, the square’s lush landscaping is in bloom all year round. And yes, there are actual fish in the water and water lilies bobbing about—because why not? It’s the sort of place that makes you forget you're smack in the middle of one of London’s busiest districts.
And that’s the magic of Pancras Square: it’s peaceful, practical, and photogenic all at once.
Architecture for Everyone (Or Anyone Who Likes Cool Buildings At Least)
Let’s be real: you don’t need to know your Bauhaus from your Brutalism to appreciate what’s going on at Pancras Square. This corner of King’s Cross brings together sharp design, industrial touches, eco-conscious thinking—without trying too hard. It’s where heritage shakes hands with high-tech—and somehow, it just works.
Surrounding Architecture
Pancras Square itself is a pretty chill zone. But don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you—it’s surrounded by some serious architectural heavyweights. The broader King’s Cross redevelopment has attracted big names and bold ideas: from Google’s “landscraper” HQ to the Central Saint Martins campus (a literal design powerhouse), to One St Pancras Square—aka “Gridiron”—a striking 50,000-square-foot modernist office building by David Chipperfield Architects.
One Pancras Square: The Iron-Clad Rockstar
But wait, One Pancras Square isn’t just another office block, it's the iron-clad rockstar of the neighbourhood. Sitting at the southern gateway to King’s Cross, the building makes an immediate impression, wrapped in 396 cast-iron columns etched with a woven pattern (a nod to local textile heritage). It’s the architectural equivalent of someone in a sharp tailored suit with steel-toe boots—elegant but tough.
But those columns aren’t just there for show. Made from recycled iron, they frame balconies, blend into the building’s outer walls, and give the whole place a kind of architectural rhythm that makes it feel both solid and stylish.
Set against the ornate, Gothic revival beauty of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, it creates a bold visual contrast—modern steel and Victorian brick side by side. The result is a compelling visual mashup of old and new.
Sustainability at Pancras Square
Beyond the looks, it’s a sustainability frontrunner. With rooftop solar panels, an innovative natural ventilation system, and smart cooling tech, it was the first speculative office building to snag the BREEAM 2011 'Outstanding' rating.
Inside, it’s all about light-filled spaces, lofty ceilings, marble-lined lobbies, and views that’ll have you side-eyeing your home office. Add in direct Underground access and a couple of sleek commercial units at ground level, and you’ve got a building that’s as connected as it is good-looking.
Visiting Pancras Square
So, you're sold on the square—great. But what’s it actually like to visit? In a word: serene.
Pancras Square is accessed via Battle Bridge Place, just a stone’s throw from King’s Cross and St Pancras stations. You’ll spot the grand old Pin Oak welcoming you in, and from there it’s all soft landscaping, trickling water, and shady seating spots. It’s got the right mix of open lawns, leafy trees, and hideaway nooks to make it feel inviting whether you’re on your lunch break, meeting friends, or killing time before a train.
For design lovers, it’s a masterclass in modern landscape architecture. For everyone else? It’s a cracking spot to chill.
And yes, whether it’s spring cherry blossoms or golden autumn foliage, the square’s always photogenic. So, bring your camera.
Explore Beyond Pancras Square with CityDays
Pancras Square may be a gem in the heart of King’s Cross, but why stop there?
With CityDays, you can turn your next day out in London into an adventure. We run interactive scavenger hunts and treasure trails across the city (and all over the world!) that blend quirky facts, historical gems, and team-building challenges into one epic experience.
Crack clues, unlock stories, discover hidden spots even locals don’t know about, and turn your urban wanderings into a full-on quest. Pancras Square is just one stop in a city full of secrets, and we’re here to help you uncover them all.
Ready to explore London in a whole new way?
Join the fun with CityDays' London treasure hunts—where every street’s a story and every corner could hold your next clue.
