Architecture Update: End of the line

WHAT is to become of the 132-acre King's Cross railway lands, following the announcement by John MacGregor, Secretary of State for Transport, that Channel tunnel trains will run into St Pancras? A masterplan drawn up for the site by Sir Norman Foster and Partners for the London Regeneration Consortium was based on a new station at King's Cross alongside the existing Victorian building. Now it is likely that a completely different scheme will be designed, taking into account the likely new track alignment which will cut off the top north-east corner of the site - where the developers had planned two skyscrapers.

Local people, backed by Camden and Islington councils, say British Rail should encourage short-term uses for the historic buildings, including a granary, gymnasium, and offices. They want part of the site to become a permanent park.