The King’s Cross scheme is one of the largest and most complex developments taking place in Britain today. Through documenting this seminal case-study, this book sheds light on the complex process through which public realm development proposals are planned and approved: through complex negotiation and deal making, involving many different stakeholders.

• Unique, insider’s account: draws on first-hand interviews and full access to previously confidential material from primary sources.
• Comprehensive look at urban planning relevant to both students and practitioners.
• Currently very little available on the process through which public realm schemes are planned and approved.
• Kings Cross is now a standing event in the teaching calendars of many planning schools.
• Huge international market: KX visitor centre receives delegations on study tours from Japan, Taiwan, China, USA, India, Korea, Australia, Malaysia, UAE, Russia, South Africa, Mexico and most the EU.

Peter Bishop is a town planner, professor of urban design at the Bartlett, visiting professor at Nottingham Trent University and a director at Allies and Morrison.

Lesley Williams is an environmental scientist, town planner and writer specialising in design and facilitation of stakeholder involvement processes, consensus building and partnership development.