On this historic day the vast majority of the units will be up and running. They comprise a mixture of names that LCR and Network Rail believe will do justice not only to the station's long history but also to its new role as the UK's latest international travel hub.

Ben Ruse, head of media at LCR, says: "We've got a role to play here in creating not just a showcase for St Pancras but for the UK as a whole. This is an international arrival point, so it's vital that people get a good impression when they step off the trains."

To achieve this the team has attracted a spread of operators for the 85,000 sq ft of retail and catering space that will not only appeal to the passengers of the Eurostar services and the forthcoming fast service to Kent but also to those using the station's domestic services (run by Midland Mainline and First Capital Connect).

But the station is not only for passengers, according to Ruse, who says it is hoped St Pancras will also be used as a meeting point and shopping destination by non-travellers: "We've created a station on a commercial model to attract people who are not travelling and who want to use it as a premier meeting place."

The majority of the retail is located in The Arcade, which forms part of The Undercroft, located beneath the Eurostar tracks. This area originally housed thousands of barrels of beer transported from Burton-on-Trent for the capital's drinkers.

The retail units range from approximately 300 sq ft in size (Neal's Yard Remedies) to almost 11,000 sq ft (Marks & Spencer) and encompass a wide range of propositions. In the mix are a number of high street names that already have a presence in other UK train stations such as Starbucks, Vodafone and WH Smith. Some well known names are also doing something different at St Pancras - for example, the M&S store will be its first to mix its Simply Food format with fashion, and the famous bookstore Foyles will have its first outlet at a station. A number of independents are also represented, such as Peyton & Byrne, Hamleys and chocolatier Wilton & Noble.

As for the rental levels, Ruse was not going to disclose any numbers relating to the turnover-related rents that retailers can expect to be paying in November, but says: "We're trying to persuade independent retailers to come in here as we anticipate it will be a premier site. Although we've priced it accordingly, it won't be totally exclusive, and this will be reflected in the prices; we've got to encourage people to come here."

Above The Undercroft is the station platform level, knows as The Rendezvous, which affords a glorious view of the Barlow Shed roof. The station's brickwork has been thoroughly cleaned to remove the accumulated grime of the last 100 years, resulting in a memorable impression.

This upper level houses the flagship catering facilities, which include the 1868 Champagne Bar, running for 300ft directly alongside one of the Eurostar platforms, a brasserie and the private dining rooms - which are all run by catering company Searcy.

In addition, Geronimo Inns has taken a 3,330 sq ft unit and are in the process of converting it into a gastro pub that will open early in 2008. Carluccio's is also close to signing on the dotted line for a unit located directly underneath the station's large clock, close to the exit onto Euston Road.

Housed outside the Barlow Shed in the newly-constructed extension for domestic train services are the St Pancras Market and The Circle trading areas. The former is a unique aspect of the development that aims to bring a farmers market proposition to the station, with its stalls offering fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.

These units have been the responsibility of property agent TwentyRetail since it was brought on board to help LCR and Network Rail complete the letting process. Theo Fordham, surveyor at TwentyRetail, admits that it has been a difficult task finding operators able to keep their stalls open (and well stocked) seven days a week between 7am and 10pm.

The likelihood is that the Market will in future be run by a single operator with connections in the restaurant trade, as this will enable a reduction in wastage as excess stock can be sold on to restaurants.

Across from the Market is The Circle, which predominantly caters for the domestic commuter, and will have a familiar feel to rail travellers due to the many well-known names already signed up. A feature of The Circle is an area reserved for a large Yo! Sushi restaurant covering 1,400 sq ft. Positioned around it will be the likes of Pret a Manger, Monsoon, WH Smith and Boots.

There is certainly a need for such mass market names: it is predicted that up to 50 million people a year could be using the station when all the various train services are operating and St Pancras has become established as a popular meeting place for businesses and individuals.

If these numbers prove to be over-optimistic and consumers are ultimately under-awed by the retail proposition, then this will be no fault of the station itself: there is no doubting the sheer beauty of the building now that it has been given a seriously impressive makeover.

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