London’s latest park is inside a Victorian gasholder by Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross
London's latest public park has been built within the frame of an old Victorian gasholder in King's Cross.
The gasholder park, a circular lawn which overlooks Regent’s Canal, was opened to the public yesterday.
It has a polished stainless steel canopy added by London-based Bell Phillips Architects, as well as new planting designed by Dan Pearson studio.
The Grade II Victorian gasholder No.8, once part of the largest gasworks in London until it was decommissioned 15 years ago, had been reerected in 2013 beside Regent's Canal.
The 25 metre-high structure was dismantled from its old location, where Pancras Square is now, in 2011.
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Three other historic gasholders have been similarly dismantled and are being rebuilt next to gasholder park.
"Gasholder park is a fantastic project which combines the industrial heritage of King's Cross with contemporary architecture to create a unique place," Hari Phillips, partner at Bell Phillips Architects, said.
"To design a new use for such a well-known London landmark was both a daunting responsibility and an unmissable opportunity."
Antony Peter, project director at Argent, which has led the redevelopment of King's Cross, added: "It's an unusual and vast space, with a character best appreciated by standing in the middle of the lawn, looking up at the gasholder frames."
"It has been one of the most complex and challenging projects to deliver at King's Cross to date, and very satisfying to see completed."