Once a busy Victorian industrial area around an extensive railway goods yard and the Regent's Canal, the area behind King's Cross Station had, by the late 20th Century, become a relatively abandoned area of disused buildings, railway sidings, warehouses and contaminated land.  A Master Plan by Allies & Morrison and Porphyrios Associates drawn up circa 2006 sought planning permission for approximately 50 new buildings, 20 new streets, 10 new major public spaces, the restoration and refurbishment of 20 historic buildings and structures, and up to 2,000 homes.  One of the public spaces was Pancras Square around which 6 buildings have been arranged.  Four Pancras Square is the last one to be added. 

Designed by Eric Parry Architects, Four Pancras Square will, according to the www.kingscross.co.uk website, "... be an 11-storey commercial building with stunning views across Regent’s Canal to Granary Square and St Pancras Clock Tower.  The building will comprise approximately 170,000 sq ft over 10 floors with retail at street level. A typical floor is 20,500 sq ft. Goods and services are delivered below street level via a shared access route."

Pre-let to Universal Music, the building will feature, "... the very latest technology (that) will reduce running costs and minimise environmental impact. .... (and) .... meet the BREEAM standard ‘Excellent’ as a minimum and will be linked to the site-wide district heating network. Four Pancras Square has been designed to maximise the benefits of its location. Orientation, solar shading, the use of thermal mass for cooling and passive ventilation systems all contribute to energy efficiency."