The Strange Tale of the Empty Box

Paul Coleman reports on the problems of fitting and opening Thameslink's new station at St. Pancras Midland Road in London. A Department for Transport spokesperson is quoted as stating that constructing the Thameslink box after the new St. Pancras was open would have been hugely complicated and costly, resulting in much disruption. The author concurs, but argues that it would have been preferable to have built the box and fitted it out prior to Eurostar moving to St. Pancras. Advantages and disadvantages to opening the Midland Road station early, as well as a cost-benefit analysis in doing so, are examined.