AN ambitious programme to make the massive King’s Cross development a world class destination for art is underway - as the site gets nearer to being opened up to the public.

British artist Michael Pinsky and art expert St�phanie Delcroix, who have both lived in King’s Cross for 15 years, were last week appointed as curators of public art at King’s Cross Central - and handed a brief to make it a world-beating centre of contemporary art.

They will be responsible for commissioning works and performances from internationally renowned artists over the next three years.

Anna Strongman, of King’s Cross Central, said: “Our aim is to make King’s Cross a destination for arts. It will no longer be an out-of-bounds building site but a new part of central London to explore and enjoy. We want to make sure our public spaces are welcoming for all visitors.”

Forty per cent of the 67 acre site, which will comprise 2,000 new homes and 20 new streets, has been set aside as public space.

Parts of the site, including Granary Square, which will be one of the biggest square in London, will open to the public for the first time in September. Students from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design will move into their new home at the site’s Granary Complex in the same month.

St�phanie Delcroix said: “The programme will draw on the unique qualities of King’s Cross as an international transport hub and emerging cityscape. The commissions for the public spaces will also coincide with the 2012 Games which will add to the plans King’s Cross already have to celebrate this big occasion.”