Harry Potter Station: 19th Century London Train Station Gets “Majestic” Makeover
King’s Cross Station, the iconic 19th century train station made famous by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series, has had a makeover.
In what rail bosses are describing as “the biggest transformation” in its 160 year history, the station has undergone a $875 million (550 million pound) refurbishment which aims to transform it into a “transport-super-hub.”
In the Harry Potter series, the station was the home of a secret platform 9¾, where Harry and his wizard friends passed through a brick wall to catch the Hogwarts Express. In real-life, however, the 45 million commuters who struggle through the cluttered station every year often found the experience something short of magical.
On Monday the station reopened to the public, showing off the spectacular upgrades.
A new glass and steel roof structure has been blended with the Grade-1 listed station’s original brickwork, creating a space three times larger than the current concourse, with improved underground links and a whole range of new shops and restaurants.
First Capital Connect customer service director Keith Jipps said:
“This fabulous development at King’s Cross is great news for our passengers who now have a less crowded, often more direct journey through the station as well as new shops and facilities, and lifts to all areas.
“Added to almost 12,000 seats we’ve added to the Great Northern route since 2009, the transformation and improved interchange with other forms of transport is a vital part of First Capital Connect’s commitment to give our customers a great journey every day.”
In addition to major changes, the station has also added – for the die-hard Harry Potter fans out there – a photo-op version of platform 9 3/4 — right next to platform 9.
For more on the King’s Cross train station overhaul, watch the following video:
