Apple to Establish London Headquarters at Derelict Battersea Power Plant

Apple has yet to finish its Campus 2 in Cupertino, California, but that hasn’t stopped it from settling on the site of its new London headquarters: Battersea Power Station.

The structure is an iconic and imposing landmark in London, where it has lain derelict for over two decades. A massive renovation effort is underway however, which is slowly transforming the grim-looking industrial building into a bustling hive of activity, replete with restaurants and stores.

The deal is said to be the largest office lease in London’s West End in the past two decades, according to Engadget. Apple has committed to taking 6 floors of the Battersea Power Station and station 1,400 workers there, making it the largest tenant in the former electricity generator and occupying 40% of its space. The 500,000 square foot space can fit a maximum of 3,000 employees, meaning Apple can comfortably expand its workforce in London later on down the road should the need ever arise.

An Apple spokesperson said the move means “its entire team [could] work and collaborate in one location while supporting the renovation of a neighbourhood rich with history.” The area surrounding the power plant is currently undergoing a revitalization as well, and Apple’s decision to move there will undoubtedly give the neighborhood a boost.

London officials also welcomed the move as a show of confidence in the British economy post-Brexit. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Apple’s decision was “a further sign that London is open to the biggest brands in the world.” Chancellor Philip Hammond echoed his sentiments and called it “another vote of confidence in the UK economy,” according to the BBC.

Apple plans to relocate its London employees from various offices throughout the city to this central location in 2021.