Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard
London · N1C
Amenities
Summary
The King’s Cross regeneration centrepiece — the Victorian granary complex, the Thomas Heatherwick Coal Drops Yard, and the canal-side public square form a mixed heritage-modern estate.
About this location
Granary Square is a public square in the King’s Cross Central development, fronting the Regent’s Canal and the restored Victorian granary complex. The granary buildings (1851) are a group of substantial brick warehouses now housing Central Saint Martins art college. The adjacent Coal Drops Yard (2018, Heatherwick Studio) is a retail development inserted within two surviving Victorian coal drop structures, with an unusual twisting roof structure joining the two original buildings at the upper level.
The development is managed by King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership. The public realm — Granary Square, the canal-side, and the pedestrian routes through the coal drops — is technically public land but managed commercially. Film productions using the area need to negotiate access through the estate management team. The contrast of Victorian railway infrastructure and contemporary architectural intervention makes the area visually distinctive; it has appeared in fashion shoots, music videos, and television drama.
The coal drops’ cast-iron columns and arched brick forms give period industrial architecture at the lower level; the twisting Heatherwick roof gives contemporary contrast above. The canal immediately south of the square is Regent’s Canal towpath territory with CRT permits. Central Saint Martins interior spaces are separately available through the art college’s events team.
Access notes
- Parking
- No on-site parking confirmed. Expect to use nearby public car parks or a council parking suspension.
- Loading access
- Loading access available — dedicated entry for kit and set dressing.
- Public transit
- London has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
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On the map
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FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard?
- Yes — filming on or around Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard?
- Parking isn't listed as a confirmed amenity for Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard. Check with the site for crew parking, loading, and unit-base options — in London you'll often rely on nearby public car parks or a council parking suspension.
- How much does it cost to film at Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard?
- Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard sits in the ££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard?
- Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard can accommodate a large crew of 15+ including feature-film unit requirements, trucks, and extras.
- Has anything been filmed at Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard before?
- Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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