Google announced on Friday that it has invested $1 billion to purchase a central London building where it is now a tenant, demonstrating its faith in the office’s future as a place to work.
Google, which employs 6,400 people in the UK, is planning a multi-million pound revamp of its buildings in the Central Saint Giles property, close to Covent Garden in central London, which it is buying.
“We’ve had the privilege of operating in the United Kingdom for nearly 20 years, and our purchase of the Central Saint Giles development underscores our sustained commitment to the country’s growth and success,” said Ruth Porat, Alphabet’s CFO.
Google aims to renovate the building to make it more conducive to in-person teamwork, with meeting rooms for hybrid working and additional space for individuals.
The new renovation will also include outside covered working spaces, allowing employees to work outside in the fresh air, according to the company.
Google stated its UK locations, including one in the adjacent King’s Cross neighborhood of London, will eventually be able to accommodate 10,000 employees.
In a statement, finance minister Rishi Sunak said, “Google’s investment in jobs is a major vote of confidence in the UK as a world-leading digital base.”
Last month, Google said that it was delaying its global return-to-office plan due to rising worries about the Omicron coronavirus type.
A joint venture between Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets and Mitsubishi Estate London Limited controlled the Central Saint Giles building.
