Google is “committed” to the UK and plans to extend its London headquarters at King’s Cross - a move hailed as a post-Brexit vote triumph.
The move will create up to 3,000 new jobs, the firm’s chief executive has said, increasing its current 4,000-strong workforce in the UK.
Speaking on his first visit to the UK as the technology giant’s chief executive, Sundar Pichai said Google plans to build a new 10-storey, 650,000 square foot complex alongside its new HQ in Pancras Square.
Pichai said the firm had some reservations about the Brexit vote, Google was committed to the UK as a technology hub.
He said:
“Here in the UK, it’s clear to me that computer science has a great future with the talent, educational institutions, and passion for innovation we see all around us.
“We are committed to the UK and excited to continue our investment in our new King’s Cross campus.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called the announcement a “vote of confidence” in the city. He said:
“London is one the world’s leading technology hubs and investment into the capital post-Brexit remains robust, so Google’s expansion will further strengthen our city’s reputation as a global leader in digital technology.”
The announcement of Google’s planned expansion was also greeted with enthusiasm by Chancellor Philip Hammond - and Brexit enthusiasts who have adopted the mocking #DespiteBrexit hashtag.
Some initially pointed out the internet giant was merely following through with a decision it had made three years ago - though the investment appears to be more substantial than before.