© Coal Drops Yard / Photography: Luke Hayes

Today’s official opening of Coal Drops Yard underwrites London‘s stature as a leading global shopping destination. In terms of volume and diversity, no other city in Europe matches the offerings of the British capital, and the inauguration of this mall only adds up to this stature. Situated in King’s Cross, just a stone’s throw away from the Regent’s Canal and the renowned Central St. Martins fashion school, the Coal Drops Yards mall comprises of a collection of two-storey, brick and cast iron buildings and arches from the mid-1800s which were once used to transfer coal, originating from mines in Northern England, from rail wagons to road carts. Under the supervision of London-based Heatherwick Studio the 13,500 sqm. (145,313 sq.ft.) redeveloped complex has been given a new lease on life, and sees an intriguing  fusion of beautifully restored buildings and sleek modern interventions of concrete and glass. The new layout opens up the area, linking the long viaducts and the yard between them to create a space for people to enjoy while the added structures create unprecedented spatial experiences. Needless to say, Coal Drops Yard is full of exploration, as it hosts a tightly curated range of retail and hospitality venues that’ll appeal to the most jaded of shoppers.

The tenant list includes coveted names such as Universal Works, The Sports Edit, Paul Smith, Joseph Cheany & Sons, Ally Capellino and MHL, and in the coming months, the likes of Aesop, COS, Le Café Alain Ducasse, Samsung, (malin+goetz), as well as a string of others will join the ranks. Also being launched today is Lower Stable Street, a new street entirely dedicated  pop-ups, live events and experiential stores from both established and up-and-coming brands. Curated by independent magazine KIOSK N1C, it’s a sunken street between Stable Street and the main Coal Drops Yard, and home to eleven smaller spaces. Stores and restaurants on the market-style street will be on a mix of long and flexible leases; encouraging brands to experiment with innovative in-store activations and allow the street to reinvent itself multiple times each year. Brands will also be encouraged to collaborate together, as well as with stores in Coal Drops Yard and with neighbourhood institutions such as Central Saint Martins. Confirmed pop-ups include a specially-curated space by Stockholm-based independent design brand Hem, a concept store by Christopher Raeburn, featuring collabs with Timberland, Finisterre and Palladium, as well as a workshop space by STORE Store.

Coal Drops Yard
Stable Street (King’s Cross)
London N1C 4DQ

© Coal Drops Yard / Photography: Luke Hayes, John Sturrock and Hufton + Crow