Google submits plans for new London groundscraper headquarters

Internet search engine Google has submitted a planning application to Camden Council in the UK to build new £650m UK headquarters at King’s Cross Central in London.

Designed by architects Allford Hall and Monaghan Morris, the 1 million ft² building will range beteween seven and 11 storeys high.

After completion, the building will feature 725,000ft² of office space and 50,000ft² of retail space at ground level for a range of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Google’s employees from the company’s current offices in Victoria and Holborn will relocate to the new headquarters.

AHMM director Simon Allford said, "The architectural approach, which has taken inspiration from King’s Cross and St Pancras International railway stations, complements the local area’s strong industrial heritage and will be a building London can be proud of."

Google acquired the site from King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership (KCCLP) to develop the headquarters.

The new headquarters will face One and Two Pancras Square, two office buildings which are currently being built by KCCLP.

Pancras Square will also be home to the new headquarters of BNP Paribas Real Estate, a new office building for Camden Council featuring a customer contact centre, public sport and leisure facilities, and office space.

Construction work is expected to commence in early 2014 and complete by late 2016/early 2017.

Google UK managing director Dan Cobley said building the company’s new headquarters in King’s Cross is good for the company and London.

"We’re committed to the UK and to playing a role in the regeneration of this historic area," Cobley said.

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Image: Google’s new UK headquarters will be built at King Cross Central in London. Photo: King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership.