A STUDENT skyscraper will become one of the landmark buildings of the new King’s Cross’s after London Mayor Boris Johnson rubber-stamped the plan.

The T6 tower, which will be built next to the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras International, will be 14 storeys high for the most part, rising to 27 storeys at one end - and include 657 student bedrooms.

It is expected to be ready for the 2013/14 academic year, two years after The Granary Complex becomes home to 4,500 staff and students at the University of Arts London, which includes Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

Glenn Howells, from Glenn Howells Architects, which designed the T6 building, said: “From the outset of the project, we have had a strong vision for this building that addresses not only the practical requirements of student accommodation, but that will deliver an architecturally strong, innovative and sustainable end product.

“Gaining approval is excellent news for this site and the wider Kings Cross Central development. Having worked closely with Camden Council planning department to arrive at this point, we are now looking forward to continuing this relationship to progress the scheme.”

Camden Council resolved to grant permission in November, and the plans were then referred to Mr Johnson, who has now said he is content to allow the scheme to proceed.

The building will wrap around a new courtyard space at ground level which will be open to the public and will contain seating, planting and public art.

Inside there will be a mixture of cluster flats and self-contained studios, with some commercial space at ground level.

The building is designed to be highly sustainable, aiming to achieve major carbon savings and a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

Robert Evans, from King’s Cross Central, said: “We are delighted that the permission has now been granted for this landmark student accommodation building at King’s Cross Central. This is another important milestone for the project. The T6 building will enhance the original masterplan and unlock yet further investment in new public realm and other infrastructure at King’s Cross.”