By Sam Webb PUBLISHED: 08:37 EST, 26 September 2013 | UPDATED: 16:22 EST, 26 September 2013 A new square in one of the UK's busiest areas has been officially opened to signal the completion of a £550 million scheme. The 75,000sq ft King's Cross Square in London is a public space designed for use by local people as well as those using the nearby King's Cross and St Pancras main line and Underground stations. Marked by the pulling of a Victorian railway signal lever and an explosion of streamers, the opening was performed by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, London Mayor Boris Johnson and Network Rail chief executive Sir David Higgins.
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New square opened outside King's Cross and St Pancras stations
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The square is part of a development of a previously derelict 67-acre site
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The old station has been rebuilt and the concourse demolished
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The station was once notorious red light district but has been overhauled
Packed with excitement: Holiday crowds are seen at @placeholder railway station in London in August 1925