Case study: St. Pancras International Railway Station Complex, London

St. Pancras train station was designed by William Barlow in 1863 with construction commencing in 1866. The famous Barlow train shed arch spans 240 feet and is over 100 feet high at its apex. On its completion in 1868 it became the largest enclosed space in the world.


One of the most recognisable features of St. Pancras station today, the red brick Grade 1 listed Gothic front facade was created as part of a competition in 1865 and became the Midland Great Hotel designed by Sir Gilbert Scott and built between 1868 to 1876.


In 1935 the Midland Grand Hotel was closed and the building became railway offices, and known as the St. Pancras Chambers.

The station performed an important role during both world wars, acting as a meeting place for troops, a departure point for soldiers off to war, and to help transport children out of London to the safety of the countryside.

In 1967 the Government listed the station and hotel as Grade 1.

St. Pancras remains one of the greatest Victorian buildings in London, with impressive Victorian Gothic architecture. A replica of the famous St. Pancras station clock has been constructed and hangs high above the station platform once more.

Clarson Goff Management were initially engaged by Union Railways North / High Speed 1 via the Nichols Group to provide Project Management services for the prestigious Eurostar Business Premier Lounges within the main complex.

The role required a number of significant interfaces with the various parties involved in the project to be monitored stringently on a daily basis.

These included:

  • Client Liaison
  • Control of Contractor meetings and site implementation teams
  • English Heritage interface (due to Grade 1 listing of building)
  • General interface with wider station teams – including Network Rail
  • Health and Safety overviews
  • Cost Analysis
  • General Legal matters

    The construction fit-out contract for this particular area of the project was unusual in that there were significant areas of confined working spaces over two floor levels, further complicated by the complex mechanical and electrical installations – all requiring very tight management in order to deliver the spaces within the time frames specified.

    The value of these works was valued at approx. £9 million.

    As a result of the successful delivery of the Business Premier Lounges, the Clarson Goff team was retained for further projects within the main station complex providing Project Management services as requested by the Client. These services were extended to include regular meetings with the Directors of the Project.

    Project Management services were supplied to areas which included the Rendezvous South Retail area which is located on the first floor concourse level of the station.

    A significant area within the main project costing in excess of £14 million it incorporates some interesting retail outlets including:

  • The Champagne Bar – (longest in Europe)
  • Searcys Brasserie
  • East Midlands Trains First Class Lounge
  • Medical Centre
  • Multi – Faith Reflection Room
  • Plus a number of retail units not currently let / tenanted

    Clarson Goff Management again provided a successful delivery solution of the areas through the Project Management services which again were extended to include main interface meetings with adjoining owners for cross demise construction works.

    These owners included:

  • Manhattan Loft Company
  • Network Rail
  • Marriott Hotel
  • English Heritage

    Contactors also supervised on the Project by Clarson Goff included:

  • ISG
  • Spie Matthew Hall
  • Fitzpatrick