The two Victorian
coal drops sheds were used to receive coal from
South Yorkshire and trans-ship it to
narrowboats on the
Regents Canal and to horse-drawn carts; they processed 8m tonnes a year. Coal was the only form of energy available to heat and light the buildings of London, either directly or after having been converted to
coal gas in the adjacent
gas works. Coal use was challenged by electricity, and electricity prevailedthe coal drops were redundant and fell into decay. They were used as warehouse units; one was gutted by fire in 1985 and another used by
Bagley's nightclub, which closed in January 2008. The night clubs complemented a vibrant night life of
easy drug access, raves and
prostitution. as well as the general redevelopment plans for the entire site.
Redevelopment Argent Group, the overall developer for the
King's Cross Central site, appointed
Thomas Heatherwick as architect for the redevelopment of the Coal Drop Yards as a
retail park in 2014. Heatherwick worked in conjunction with engineers
Arup, and the plans were approved in December 2015.
BAM Nuttall undertook the construction work, which started in February 2016, following a two-year pre-construction phase to survey the condition of the Victorian era buildings and carry out demolition work as necessary. Work was completed and the development opened on 26 October 2018. ==Design==