Google to spend £730m as it ‘reinvigorates’ UK offices
Tech giant Google will invest £730 million (US$1billion) to expand its capacity in the United Kingdom (UK) by 50% and “reinvigorate” its work environment to make a return to office possible for employees.
In an interview with the BBC, Google UK and Ireland Managing Director Ronan Harris said that the investment reflects the firm’s faith in the office as a place of work.
The tech company is planning to buy its Central Saint Giles office and undertake a multi-million-pound refurbishment to match its new King’s Cross facility.
Google said that this move will provide more collaboration spaces and “inclusive meeting rooms for hybrid working” as well as covered outdoor workspaces.
This added space will be enough to accommodate the firm’s expected additional recruits of 6,400 to 10,000 this year.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak welcomed Google’s investment and described it as “a big vote of confidence in the UK as a world-leading tech hub”.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said that a return to office is important for economic recovery — particularly for the UK’s town and city centers.
