Case study

Following other successful projects within the Kings Cross area, we are delighted to announce our latest high profile project within London – Coal Drops Yard.

• Bespoke design
• Aluminium gutter systems
• High capacity box gutter
• Cast iron hoppers and downpipes
• Victorian style

A brief history…….

These unusual buildings played an important role in Victorian times. They were built in the 1850s and 60s to transfer coal from rail wagons to road carts. The brick and cast iron structure originally carried four high-level railway tracks, from which wagons dropped coal into storage hoppers. From here the coal was loaded onto horse-drawn carts at ground level.

The coal drops were used to store goods for most of the 20th century. By the 1990s however, they were being used as workshops, studios and night clubs.

The Future…….

In late 2016, we at Cotswold Rainwater Services were tasked to come up with a suitable high capacity gutter that would blend in seamlessly with the Victorian style but with a modern twist that the architects were trying create. After several designs and samples, we managed to create a bespoke gutter design that ticked all the boxes. We began work on the site in late November 2017.

Currently, the Coal Drops are being restored and will become a unique new retail quarter – Coal Drops Yard. Following a design by Heatherwick Studio, the area will be free from traffic and buzzing with street life.

The Victorian brick arches will house quirky boutiques, restaurants, galleries, music venues and more, while the cobbled streets will play host to markets and street festivals.

We feel very proud and honoured to be involved in this project that will regenerate an important historical part of English heritage . With our experience and expertise in bespoke gutter design and installation, we are confident that we will play a vital part in creating this vision and help bring back to life this once vibrant area.