David Bracey, director of The Fountain Workshop, in front of some of the water jets in Granary Square, Kings Cross

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Medway-based Fountain Workshop had more than a thousand reasons to cheer last night when its latest creation made a splash.

The award-winning firm, based in Chatham Historic Dockyard, played a key role in the redevelopment of Granary Square, Kings Cross, and close to St Pancras International station.

The fountain on the capital’s newest public square has 1,080 jets, each computer-controlled and able to rise and fall in whatever way is required.

The multi-million pound project is one of the most complex ever undertaken by the company that has twice won the Medway Business of the Year accolade.

The fountain, which recycles rainwater, has been a decade in the design, planning and manufacture. The original design work by director David Bracey eventually involved a team of 20 in Chatham.

Most attended a VIP opening ceremony yesterday and watched dancers create artistic moves in the jets of water.

Mr Bracey said: “I’m very proud and overwhelmed by the reaction to this project. Nothing humanises a public space better than water.”

Sarah Hayward, leader of Camden Council, applauded the fountain. “It’s absolutely fantastic and is going to add so much to the square and make it a public space that really comes alive.”

Each jet will eventually have its own lighting system and visitors will be able to control configurations through the web.

The firm, now widely regarded as a world leader in fountain design, is confident the international attention focused on the Granary Square regeneration project will bring it further commissions in the UK and overseas.