Google breaks ground on its new London office
Google has said it considers the UK a “great home” as it held a ceremony to break ground on the construction of its new office in London.
Once complete, the office, along with the already open building at 6 Pancras Square and a third office space, will create a new Google campus capable of housing up to 7,000 Google employees.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said, “Google’s expansion at Kings Cross is great news for London and further cements the capital’s reputation as one of the world’s leading technology hubs. It is another clear sign that London is open and remains entrepreneurial, international, and full of creativity and possibility.”
Google’s incredible new office will feature a built-in swimming pool, multi-use games area and even a rooftop running track. Workers at the new headquarters will enjoy a range of ‘play’ facilities under the same roof as their desks. The project is estimated to be costing Google £1billion.
During his first visit to the UK last year, Google CEO Sundar Pichai 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.”
Spotify set to double its workforce in London
Music streaming service Spotify Ltd is moving to a new London office, where it plans to double its 200-strong workforce, over the next two years, with research and development staff.
“London will be one of our major hubs where we’ll house key investment areas including expansion of our subscription-commerce capabilities," said Jason Richman, vice president of product at Spotify.
Spotify’s plans are another stamp of confidence by a major tech company in the future of London and the UK, in attracting tech talent. At the end of last year, the British government revealed plans to double the number of visas for highly skilled workers, including technology-savvy candidates.
Pharmaceutical giant Merck picks London for new HQ
Merck has chosen London as the site of its new headquarters. Set to open in 2020, the company’s hub will be home to 150 new researchers and 800 additional staff. Merck’s other European clinical operations will also move to the site from the company’s current headquarters in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. Merck said it chose London because the city will facilitate its work with researchers both in the UK and in Europe.
“We believe London to be a unique bioscience centre of excellence and a key component of the established golden triangle for academic science of London-Oxford-Cambridge,” said Louise Houson, managing director, Merck in the UK and Ireland.
