Built beside Regent’s Canal, apartments at Plimsoll Building will revamp the once-blighted railway land behind King’s Cross station.

Buyers are already in the starting blocks for the newly launched Plimsoll Building, the latest unveiling at King’s Cross Central, the epic redevelopment of once-blighted railway land behind the station.

The dashing new scheme of 178 flats, pictured, sits beside Regent’s Canal and, in a union consistent with the diverse mix at this new neighbourhood, above two new schools. Ready next year, the architectural detail features textured brick cladding that dovetails neatly with surrounding heritage buildings, and an internal podium garden designed by Dan Pearson.

The triple-height entrance foyer has a glass scenic elevator for the ride to upper floors including a rooftop conservatory, an art gallery and three communal terraces. A business lounge and dining space will be open for meetings and private events, and there will be a gym. Prices start at £430,000.

The building is named after Samuel Plimsoll, a Victorian industrialist famous for developing the Plimsoll line loading guide on the side of ships. He also built the railway coal drop viaduct at King’s Cross.

Google is building a new HQ in the 67-acre district, joining the Central St Martins College of Art and Design campus. The finished project will have 2,000 new homes, 20 new streets, 10 new public squares, 20 restored heritage structures including listed gas holders, many offices and generous retail space.