Google is to expand its UK presence and almost double its headcount in London over the next few years in an effort to recruit engineering talent and entrench itself more deeply in markets outside the US.
The California search group is to proceed with plans to open a 1m sq ft building near its King’s Cross site designed by British architects Heatherwick Studio and the Bjarke Ingels Group. This will house 7,000 employees, up from about 4,000 today.
Sundar Pichai, Google chief executive, said: “Here in the UK, it’s clear to me that computer science has a great future with the talent, educational institutions and passion for innovation we see all around us. We are committed to the UK and excited to continue our investment in our new King’s Cross campus.”
Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, greeted the move as a “vote of confidence” in the UK capital amid doubts about its position as a technology powerhouse after the Brexit vote.
“London is one the world’s leading technology hubs and investment into the capital post-Brexit remains robust, so Google’s expansion will further strengthen our city’s reputation as a global leader in digital technology,” Mr Khan said.
Mr Pichai also announced an expansion of Google’s digital skills training programme in the UK, which will include training in social media, web analytics and ecommerce in 100 cities and towns across the country, starting with Port Talbot and Cardiff next week.
Google’s expansion follows Facebook’s announcement of a move to London’s Fitzrovia district last year and Apple’s decision to establish a 500,000 sq ft UK headquarters at Battersea, announced in September.
That deal will see Apple move 1,400 employees to the former Battersea power station development from eight sites around the capital in 2021. It also leaves the iPhone maker significant room for expansion.
Other technology companies have been investing in new London bases. Amazon is to take more than 500,000 sq ft in Principal Place, which is under construction in Shoreditch, on the edge of the City.
The companies are also vying to produce quirky and well-appointed offices for staff: Google’s King’s Cross building boasts sleep pods, a running track and free massages for workers. Construction of its new building starts in 2018.
Letter in response to this article:
Britain will continue to build world-class offices for world-class occupiers / From Richard Kauntze
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