US tech-giant Apple Inc. have revealed that they will consolidate their UK operations to "a new Apple campus" in London's Battersea, at the heart of a site formerly occupied by the derelict Grade II* Listed Battersea Power Station. The 42-acre complex, which is currently undergoing major redevelopment (and is soon to have a public square designed by BIG connecting to the Electric Boulevard development designed by Norman Foster and Frank Gehry), will provide a mix of commercial space and residential zones. According to the London Evening Standard, Apple will be relocating around 1,400 staff from eight sites around the British capital to the former power station, occupying all six floors of the restored building's extensive new office space. They will be the site's single largest single tenant.
In a statement to the Evening Standard Apple have said that they expect the move to be complete by 2021. "This is a great opportunity to have our entire team working and collaborating in one location while supporting the renovation of a neighbourhood rich with history," a spokesperson said. Apple's primary European headquarters will remain in Cork, Ireland, where around 6000 employees currently work.
London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, is "delighted [that] Apple is moving into Battersea Power Station, helping to generate new jobs and economic prosperity for London." The British Chancellor, Philip Hammond, also commented: "Apple’s decision further strengthens London’s position as a global technology hub and demonstrates how the UK is at the forefront of the next steps in the tech revolution. It’s another vote of confidence in the UK economy," he added.
News via London Evening Standard
