An "uninspiring" design did not stop the 50th and final building in the Kings Cross masterplan winning planning consent.

Plans for the F1 building, between York Way and Goods Way next to the Regents Canal, were unanimously approved by Camden Council's planning committee on July 13.

Late objections were submitted to the meeting by Kings Cross Development Forum, which had raised concerns about the height and scale of the building as well as the building’s "uninspiring" design.

The building, which sits on top of Victorian railway tunnels within the Regent's Canal Conservation Area, was designed by Lee Wilkinson Architecture following a competition.

The site has been home to several ‘meanwhile’ uses over the last 17 years, including Shrimpy’s restaurant, the Gasholders London sales and marketing suite, a bar and restaurant by Chapel Down and most recently, Gas Station by Barworks.

In a press release, King's Cross say the building is "in harmony" with surrounding industrial heritage and contemporary buildings.

As well 54,000 sq ft of commercial space, the seven storey Building F1 will have terraces on every floor and a cycle store with lockers and shower facilities. 

There will also be landscaping along Goods Way and a new canal path with plants and seating. 

The Kings Cross project was first granted outline planning permission in 2006. The masterplan is one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration projects, taking place around Kings Cross station and the Regent's Canal.

Islington Gazette: A CGI image of the planned F1 building in Kings Cross, the 50th and final building on the vast estateA CGI image of the planned F1 building in Kings Cross, the 50th and final building on the vast estate (Image: Argent)

By 2024, it is estimated that 42,000 people will be living, working and studying at King’s Cross, which is home to companies including Astra Zeneca, Google, Meta and Nike.

The estate now includes 100 shops, bars and restaurants, 1,750 homes and 10 public spaces.

Jeff Lee, co-founder and director at Lee + Wilkinson Architecture, said they were "thrilled" to be delivering the final building on the King’s Cross estate.