A £100m project to regenerate London's King's Cross area has been given the go-ahead by Islington Council.

P&O Developments has secured planning approval for Regent Quarter, a mixed used scheme comprising housing, retail, office and leisure facilities. The project will be phased over three to four years and will incorporate new architecture and refurbished Victorian buildings.

Leisure facilities will include a 277-bed hotel from Scottish & Newcastle, an art gallery, a health and fitness club and swimming pool and shops. There are also plans to open private courtyards to the public for the first time with restaurants and cafes.

King's Cross will be provided with a vibrant new urban quarter which residents, workers and visitors can all enjoy, said Graham Corser, senior development surveyor for P&O Developments.

Work is due to start on the project in spring 2002. Details: www.regentquarter.com or +44 (0)20 7841 5638