King's Cross landmark to be a paddling pool
 | | A computer image of how the paddling pool could look |
A PADDLING pool has been chosen to bring new life to a historic King's Cross landmark after beating 80 entries in a design competition.
The transformed Grade II-listed Gasholder No.8, in Goods Way, will form one of the centrepieces of the £3billion King's Cross Central regeneration scheme.
A trampoline and a giant helter skelter were among the weird and wonderful uses to fill the Victorian structure - but, after weeks of deliberation, it was a design that left the 25 metre-high space empty that swayed the judges.
Bell Phillips & Kimble's winning design will see a shallow water pool created at the base of the gasholder which will be a children's play area by day and a "tranquil" public space at night.
Bridget Evans, project director at King's Cross Central, said: "This has been a fascinating process, with many truly inspirational ideas put forward. We asked for big ideas and that is certainly what we got."
She added: "The winning design works on several levels for King's Cross Central - it will be accessible
with multiple uses, it's fun, has style and it will create an enchanting space for local communities to enjoy."
Large glass lenses will give views up into the gasholder from beneath the 35metre-wide pool, which will reflect hundreds of wind-powered LED lights illuminating the gasholder after dark.
The £2.5million canal side site also features a garden and natural amphitheatre for "informal performances and relaxing".
Hari Phillips, of Bell Phillips & Kimble, said: "The combination of the Gasholder structure and its location overlooking the Regent's Canal sets the scene for a truly fantastic project.
"We are thrilled to have won and are looking forward to working with the King's Cross Central partners and other stakeholders to produce an outstanding space."
Gasholder No.8, built in 1851, will stand next to its sister structure the Gasholder Triplet in the final scheme. The triplet was dismantled earlier this year ahead of restoration and will house a block of luxury flats and a school.
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