We descend the stairs into Coal Drops Yard, which opened in October 2018. John Weale (1851), describing the Eastern Coal Drops, provided a clear journalist’s account of their original function:
‘The works projected are designed to form 4 large groups of coal-stores, of 50 bays (25 bays or cells on each side of a spine wall), each capable of containing 70 tons, or a grand total of 15,200 (sic) tons. A very ingenious contrivance allows the coal to pass from the waggon to the lower level of the store without serious shock, and obviates the danger of comminuting (ie fragmenting) the materials. In the floor of the stores are a series of shoots, six to each bay, through which the coals can either be discharged in bulk, or their flow can be regulated so as to allow of their being easily put in sacks.’
The scheme by Thomas Heatherwick includes a striking modification to the original roofscape. Both Western and Eastern Coal Drops roofs have been swept inwards and upwards to meet in an apex above a new bridge spanning the yard. This provides an extra floor with a glazed gallery overlooking Coal Drops Yard. The upper floor levels are being lowered to the level of the viaducts and bridge link over much of the lengths of the two ranges, which will simplify access for the disabled.
The combination of Victorian brickwork and modern architecture has been contentious. The southern ends are relatively little altered, but much historical detail has been lost at the fire-damaged north end of the Eastern Coal Drops, archaeologically the most interesting part. Another loss has been the expanse of blue granite setts in the yard, all but fragments being replaced by precisely laid new setts, to satisfy the needs for disabled access. The open arches have been infilled with plate glass shopfronts.
For further information see the history of coal supply.