Google, which employs 6,400 people in Britain, plans a
multi-million pound refurbishment of its offices within the Central Saint Giles
development it is buying, close to Covent Garden in central London.
"We have been privileged to operate in the UK for
nearly 20 years, and our purchase of the Central Saint Giles development
reflects our continued commitment to the country's growth and success,"
said Ruth Porat, CFO of Google's parent company Alphabet.
Google plans to refit the building so it is adapted for
in-person teamwork and has meeting rooms for hybrid working, as well as
creating more space for individuals.
The new refurbishment will also feature outdoor covered
working spaces to enable work in the fresh air, the company said.
Google said it would eventually have capacity for 10,000
workers at its UK sites, including one being developed in the nearby King's
Cross area of London.
"This investment in jobs from Google is a big vote of
confidence in the UK as a world-leading tech hub," finance minister Rishi
Sunak said in a statement.
Google said last month that it was delaying its
return-to-office plan globally amid growing concerns over the Omicron variant
of the coronavirus.
The Central Saint Giles building had been owned by a joint
venture between Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets and
Mitsubishi Estate London Limited. © Reuters
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