King's Cross then and now - in pictures

King's Cross station, circa 1890 Photograph: The Montifraulo Collection/Hulton Archive

The platforms at King's Cross station, circa 1900 Photograph: Popperfoto/Getty Images

The exterior of King's Cross Station in London, August 1956 Photograph: Fox Photos/Getty Images

The goods depot area, north of King's Cross St Pancras, before redevelopment work began Photograph: John Heseltine/Alamy

The canal behind King's Cross station, 1985 Photograph: John Heseltine/Alamy

Behind the glamorous facade of London's King's Cross … A rear view of the railway station in 2000 Photograph: Roger Tooth for the Guardian

The temporary facade was erected in the 1970s, but stayed in place until 2012 Photograph: Getty Images/Image Source

A view of the concourse at the redeveloped King's Cross station, which opened in 2012 Photograph: Craig Shepheard/Corbis

The newly completed King's Cross Square Photograph: Graham Turner for the Guardian

King's Cross square and train station following refurbishment Photograph: Graham Turner for the Guardian