Two Camden Icons Face Demolition

M@
By M@ Last edited 191 months ago
Two Camden Icons Face Demolition
BloomsburyGarage.jpg

According to Camden New Journal (print edition), two of the Borough's more distinctive structures are not long for this world.

The Bloomsbury Service Station (right), on Store Street, is reckoned to be London's oldest garage, pedaling petrol since 1926. Its cornflower blue trimmings are a welcome sight in the otherwise monotone streets of Bloomsbury. But its days are numbered thanks to a drop in business attributed to the congestion charge. The lease runs out on June 6 after which its fate remains uncertain, though demolition for a lucrative rebuild seems the most likely outcome.

kcbridge.jpg

Meanwhile, a Victorian bridge and clock in Kings Cross mainline will be dismantled as part of a £400 million restoration project. The cast-iron bridge, which spans platforms 1 to 8 of the main shed, will be replaced by a modern, wider structure. The route is little used at the moment, but once the new Guardian HQ opens on York Way, and Regent Quarter properties gain tenants, there will be a steady stream of east-west pedestrian traffic using St Pancras International. It's not necessarily curtains for the Victorian bridge, however. Network Rail are looking at potential new locations. A future entry on our map of itinerant buildings, perhaps.

Garage pic courtesy of JamesB's Flickr photostream.

Bridge image courtesy of judepics' Flickr photostream.

Last Updated 21 April 2008