The US company plans to build a seven and 11-storey complex on the site and relocate its staff from its current London offices in Victoria and Holborn. The new offices will sit above a number of retail units which will comprise shops, cafes and restaurants.
The site is located immediately to the north of the new concourse at King’s Cross station and sits to the east of King’s Boulevard and south of the Regent’s Canal. The new building has been designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.
“This is a big investment by Google, we’re committing further to the UK, where computing and the web were invented," said Google's vice president for Northern and Central Europe, Matt Brittin in a statement. "It’s good news for Google, for London and for the UK.”
The Kings Cross Central Limited Partnership (KCCLP) said that the deal, which is one of the biggest ever commercial acquisitions in the UK, is a "major boost" to the transformation of King's Cross.
“We are absolutely delighted that Google will be building their new UK headquarters at King’s Cross," said KCCLP chairman, Sir David Clementi. "This is fantastic news for London, for Camden and of course for King’s Cross. Google is one of the world’s leading companies, a dynamic, innovative and forward thinking business. It fits perfectly with our vision of King’s Cross as a creative commercial centre for London."
“King’s Cross is now recognised as a superb office location. With One and Two Pancras Square under construction, providing around 200,000 square feet of grade A flexible space, we expect to make further announcements of new lettings at King’s Cross soon," Clementi said.
‘’This is excellent news for Camden and a great way to start 2013," said Camden Council leader Sarah Hayward. "I’m looking forward to welcoming Google to King’s Cross and to working with them to ensure this investment by a global brand directly delivers local jobs and supports the local economy in Camden.’’
Construction on the site is expected to start later this year, subject to approval of reserved matters by Camden Council, and to be completed in 2016.
