Coal Drops Yard

Providing accurate, RICS-compliant area measurement to support Argent’s transformation of historic Coal Drops Yard into a thriving retail and cultural destination.

Measuring heritage with accuracy and care.

Coal Drops Yard forms part of the major regeneration of King’s Cross, transforming two long Victorian warehouses and associated railway viaducts into a landmark retail and public destination. With over 15 years of surveying experience across the wider King’s Cross development, including early laser scanning of the historic warehouse structures, Plowman Craven was appointed to deliver an independent area measurement survey of the newly created retail units. The works required precision, careful planning and minimal disruption within a live construction and fit-out environment.

Client challenge.

The redevelopment introduced complex new retail spaces within heritage structures, requiring accurate and fully compliant measurement to support leasing, design and commercial planning.

Project requirements included:

Capturing all newly created retail units within Victorian warehouse buildings and attached viaducts

Managing constrained access amid ongoing construction, temporary flooring and scaffolding

Navigating complex geometries and heritage fabric

Delivering RICS-compliant area reporting in accordance with the RICS Code of Measuring Practice (6th Edition)

The survey needed to be undertaken quickly and with minimal interference to construction activity and site operations.

Our
solution.

Plowman Craven deployed modern measurement technology and experienced survey teams to capture the site efficiently and accurately in a single survey phase.

Approach and delivery included:

High-precision area measurement of all retail spaces to RICS standards

Rapid and coordinated site capture to minimise impact on construction and fit-out works

Careful navigation of constrained and historic areas, including complex internal geometries

Production of a comprehensive and verified area measurement report for client and leasing use

This method ensured reliable results while maintaining safety, programme certainty and operational continuity on site.

Project benefits.

This project demonstrates Plowman Craven’s ability to deliver accurate area measurement in a complex heritage environment while supporting commercial and operational objectives.

Minimal disruption

Rapid on-site workflows ensured uninterrupted construction and fit-out activity.

Precision in complex heritage spaces

Accurate measurement of irregular layouts and historic fabric supported informed layout planning and commercial decisions.

RICS compliance

Outputs aligned fully with the RICS Code of Measuring Practice, providing trusted and verifiable space data.

Supports future estate management

Reliable area information enabled confident decision-making for immediate use and long-term property management.

“PC’s approach allowed us to rethink what was possible”

“Plowman Craven’s approach allowed us to rethink what was possible at Bishopsgate Goodsyard. Their ability to safely capture data from complex and previously inaccessible areas was instrumental in supporting our upcycling strategy. It’s enabled us to move forward with a clearer understanding of what we can retain and enhance.”

Gareth Yeates

Project Director – Ballymore Group

Project outcome.

Plowman Craven successfully delivered a detailed, RICS-compliant area measurement survey for Coal Drops Yard, operating efficiently within a live and constrained construction setting. The work provided Argent with accurate, verified space data to support leasing, planning and future management of this significant heritage-led retail destination. The project reinforces Plowman Craven’s expertise in complex measurement for historic and high-profile urban regeneration schemes.