King's Cross Square opens to the public
The final stage of the £550m redevelopment of London's King's Cross station has been completed.
King's Cross Square, a 75,000 sq ft public space, was officially opened by the Secretary of State for Transport and the Mayor of London this morning.
The square reveals the original facade of the station for the first time in 150 years.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said the new public space would create "a whole new vibrant district".
"The transformation of King's Cross is not only beautiful but it has also triggered all sorts of regeneration, with new jobs, huge numbers of homes being built and businesses relocating here," he said.
King's Cross Square will include an area dedicated to public art and its opening will be marked by the pulling of a Victorian railway signal lever.
Early morning commuters were greeted by performers dressed as Victorian-themed '"living statues" as part of a weekend of celebrations.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "I have been travelling to and from my Derbyshire constituency for years and I remember when King's Cross and St Pancras were not places you would hang around. Now it is a destination in its own right.
"With more platforms, a redesigned concourse and improved facilities, work at this iconic station has transformed the experience of thousands of rail passengers travelling into London for the better."
There will be celebrations throughout the weekend with a Victorian-inspired carnival taking place across the King's Cross area, with traditional fairground rides, food stalls, and entertainment for the local community.
Last year a new concourse opened at the Victorian Grade I-listed station as part of the revamp.
An estimated 150,000 people a day go through the railway station.