When the historic Coal Drops Yard was transformed into a vibrant retail and dining destination in the heart of King’s Cross, RG Jones was brought in to design and install a networked audio solution that would deliver pristine sound while blending seamlessly into the heritage surroundings.
Part of the 67-acre King’s Cross estate, Coal Drops Yard was originally built in the 1850s as a coal distribution hub for London. The site has since been reimagined by Heatherwick Studio into a striking public space, mixing Victorian brickwork with contemporary design. With shops, restaurants and a thriving programme of outdoor events, the venue required an adaptable sound system—capable of subtle day-to-day ambience and dynamic live activation—without disrupting its architectural character or nearby residential areas.
“The biggest challenge with the speaker system was the fact that this is a heritage location, meaning it’s a lot more sensitive than most venues,” explained Jen Ponting, Senior Project Manager, King’s Cross.
“We wanted the installations to be subtle and in keeping with the location… the team’s solution gave us much more flexibility and control.”
“We wanted the installation to be subtle and in keeping with the heritage setting. The RG Jones team achieved that perfectly — balancing aesthetics and sound dispersion to create a system that feels part of the architecture.”
— Senior Project Manager, King’s Cross
RG Jones delivered a fully networked, site-wide audio system using JBL, Crown, and BSS technology, chosen for their reliability, performance and low visual impact. A larger number of discreet speakers was installed at lower volumes, ensuring sound was evenly distributed while maintaining tight pattern control—an essential consideration in a densely packed urban setting.
Custom brackets and careful speaker positioning were key. JBL Control HST speakers, with their wide horizontal coverage and wall-facing woofer design, were mounted along the upper-level walkway. JBL Control 28-1 speakers provided focused output below the walkway using InvisiBall mounting, preserving the integrity of the historic walls. All speakers were weather-resistant and built to withstand the demands of an outdoor venue.
“It was critical that the speakers blend in sympathetically with the surroundings,” noted Jon Berry, Sales and Installations Director at RG Jones.
“We looked at sound dispersion and aesthetics equally—we weren’t here to make it loud, we were here to make it right.”
Crown DCi Series amplifiers and BSS Soundweb BLU-806DA processors—connected via Dante—were used for amplification, EQ, delay and zoning. This setup enabled the RG Jones team to offer granular control, down to individual speaker locations. Multiple user interfaces were created with HiQnet Audio Architect, allowing different access levels for security staff, event managers and administrators.
The result was a seamless audio environment that could evolve with the space—supporting live events like yoga classes or DJ sets, but also providing gentle background ambience during daily operation.
“The moment we switched it on, it just lifted the space. A little background sound is so important to creating the sense of relaxation we strive to achieve here.”
Events and Enlivenment Manager, King’s Cross
Coal Drops Yard joins a growing portfolio of projects where RG Jones has sensitively integrated world-class sound systems into heritage environments—including sites like St Paul’s Cathedral, London Zoo, and Guildhall. The project also connects to RG Jones’ creative work in the King’s Cross area, including its involvement in the “Weaving Weaving” installation as part of the Aistit sensory art series.
At a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Client / Venue: | Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London |
| Challenge: | Deliver a discreet, high-performance audio system for a heritage-listed site — achieving clear, even coverage without compromising architecture or disturbing surrounding areas. |
| Scope of Work: | Designed and installed a fully networked, site-wide sound system using JBL, Crown, and BSS technology. Integrated subtle speaker placement and custom mounting to maintain visual harmony within the Victorian structure. |
| Result: | A balanced, adaptable audio environment that supports both everyday ambience and live activations — enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the integrity of one of London’s most distinctive urban spaces. |