Google invests $1 billion in new London headquarters

Google is serious expansion its London presence, snapping up the Central Saint Giles development next to Tottenham Court Road station for $1 billion as part of a plan to expand its UK workforce to 10,000.

Google already leases office space in the development, which was designed by architect Renzo Piano. The building features distinctive exterior colors, 38,000 square meters of office space, as well as 100 apartments as well as cafes and restaurants on the ground floor.

The company is continuing to build its flagship UK office space at King’s Cross, announced in 2013 and costing £1 billion. According to The Guardian, the King’s Cross office will be completed in 2022 and will rise to 11 floors.

Google remains aware that the work landscape has changed during the pandemic, especially when it comes to working in an office. The plan, according to the company, is to let employees use a hybrid model.

“We believe the future of work is flexibility,” says Ronan Harris, Google UK and Ireland boss. “While the majority of our UK employees want to be on site occasionally, they also want the flexibility of working from home a few days a week. Some of our employees will want to be totally remote. Our future UK workplace has room for all of these possibilities.”

Ruth Porat, Chief Financial Officer of Google, said: “We have had the privilege of operating in the UK for almost 20 years, and our purchase of the Central Saint Giles development reflects our continued commitment to the growth and success of the country.”

the FinancialTimes said Google will become the landlord of all existing tenants in the Central Saint Giles development, including NBCUniversal.

Google also recently completed the Grace Hopper Undersea Cable between America and the UK, further strengthening the connection between the search giant and the country. The company has also invested in submarine cables to Africa.