Coal Drops

Just north of us, beyond Euston Avenue and Kings Cross, the Regent's Canal dips well into London, into an area called the Coal Drops. This was a massive storage and re-distribution ground for the city's supply of coal from the north (coal from Newcastle). The canal became less used and then disused as the 20th century wore on. The last commercial use was in the early 1960s. The buildings and facilities remained, however, and it all became a run-down "no go" sort of area. In the 00s some redevelopment began, first with clubs and a sordid reputation. There has been major re-development and upscaling recently, however, to the point of its becoming one of the more desirable addresses in these parts, especially if you're young and monied. We walked through it one rainy afternoon a few weeks back, but thought we would take another look. It was to be a short walk on one of our days "off."

The re-development continues, on a massive scale

Everything mixed use: office, retail, restaurants

and cafes, residences; Google and YouTube are 

on the other side, facing St. Pancras International

The canal, narrow boats, and one of many public areas

Another of the public areas: count 'em, four kids' splash pads

Old coal office (so the ghost sign says)

Long alleys of former coal bins, now restos and retails

Comfy chair...not

We didn't (do the tour)

Another plaza, setting up for a concert

Bespoke jeans shop; among many such establishments; of course
you would not to wear jeans bought off the rack

A few of the historical notes

More of the Victorian structure

St. Pancras locks on the canal

And not only coal was stored here: natural gas tank frames,
framing new office/residential buildings

Erected 1861

St. Pancras Yacht Basin; I'm trying to imagine how Turner would
have painted it

Another boulevard, public area, ever more splash

pads...they must be expecting global warming

And the music has begun; sic transit, gloria...