There are lots of connections between the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and another key centre of the new life sciences in Kings Cross. There are also interesting similarities and differences in how rapid development and social change are being managed in each location. The rebuilding and rebranding of Kings Cross as the heart of a new Knowledge Quarter has raised lots of questions about the future of the underserved local community in Somers Town.

We will meet at the IFO (the white ‘Bird Cage’) outside Kings Cross Station opposite the German Gymnasium restaurant. We will be there from 11am but the walk will now start at 11:15am The walk and activities we have planned will last until around 3pm, where we will take in landmarks such as the Francis Crick Institute, the British Library and Google’s new UK headquarters alongside gaining a deeper understanding of how these significant developments have impacted the communities which exist around them.

We have a couple of refreshment stops planned. The first is at a unique local community garden situated just behind the British Library - so please bring or buy a sandwich along the way. The second is at the London Wildlife Trust’s excellent café where we will buy you either tea and coffee as well as cake.

We have three stops planned which involve short tours and/or discussions with people of interest. Please be patient as we are dependent on others’ goodwill and their organisational skills. School strikes are planned for the 5th and unfortunately these may mean some cancellations.

A rough schedule of the day is:

11:15 Start

11:25 Francis Crick Institute

12:15 British Library

12:25 St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre

12:45 Community Garden

13:15 People’s Museum

14:00 London BioScience Innovation Centre

14:20 Tribeca Development

14:35 London Wildlife Trust Cafe

14:55 Granary Square

13:05 Google UK Headquarters and Conclusion of Walk

However, we understand that you may not want to commit to all the stops. If this is the case, please just let either David or Will know, and if you are not planning to join us on the walk, it would be helpful if you could let us know either by cancelling your booking or emailing us.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday for what promises to be a fascinating walk.