Planning, Politics and City Making

Planning, Politics and City Making by Lesley Williams and Mr Peter Bishop explores the King’s Cross scheme, one of the largest and most complex developments taking place in Britain today. Through documenting this seminal case-study, the book sheds light on the intricate process through which public realm development proposals are planned and approved, involving complex negotiation and deal making with many different stakeholders.

This book offers a unique, insider’s account by drawing on first-hand interviews and providing full access to previously confidential material from primary sources. It presents a comprehensive look at urban planning, which is relevant to both students and practitioners.

The book addresses a significant gap, as currently there is very little available on the process through which public realm schemes are planned and approved. King's Cross has become a standing event in the teaching calendars of many planning schools.

There is a huge international market for such insights; the King’s Cross visitor centre routinely receives delegations on study tours from a wide range of countries, including Japan, Taiwan, China, USA, India, Korea, Australia, Malaysia, UAE, Russia, South Africa, Mexico, and most of the EU.