The department for Transport this week gave the green light for a £400m expansion plan at London’s King’s Cross station.

The approval of funding means that owner Network Rail will now be able to seek planning permission to redevelop the site.

The proposed scheme will include a 3000 m2 concourse, more than three times the size of the present one.

King’s Cross would also gain improved links with international and domestic services from St Pancras station, and with London Underground services.

The station’s grade I-listed facade will be restored after demolition of the single-storey frontage. An open piazza in front of the station will also be created.

Iain Coucher, Network Rail deputy chief executive, said the expansion plans would create a world-class transport hub. He said: “We are excited by this news and look forward to working with the Department for Transport and London Underground to develop the plans further and then taking it through planning and listed building consent with the support of Camden council.”

Network Rail will now take the project forward by submitting a planning application to Camden. The project timetable will depend on the progress of that application, as well as the funding and programmes for the London Underground works.

  • Alistair Darling, the secretary of state for transport, has spoken to leading figures in the rail industry about taking forward proposals made last July in the Future of Rail white paper.