Google unveils design for new ‘groundscraper’ in London

Google unveils design for new ‘groundscraper’ in London

9 June 2017

Google has filed plans for an incredible “groundscraper” headquarters in London’s King’s Cross.

The massive building will feature a running track on the roof, basketball courts, an Olympic swimming pool and even “pause areas” to allow staff to relax.

As reported by news.com.au, Joe Borrett, director of real estate and construction at Google, said: “We are excited to be able to bring our London Googlers together in one campus, with a new purpose-built building that we’ve developed from the ground up.

“Our offices and facilities play a key part in shaping the Google culture, which is one of the reasons we are known for being among the best places to work in the industry.”

The building has been described as a “groundscraper” because it sprawls rather than soars into the sky.

The tech giant has submitted an application for planning permission with Camden Council – 18 months after Google boss Larry Page reportedly tore up original plans because he felt they were too dull.

Bjarke Ingels, founding partner at the Bjarke Ingels Group architecture firm, said: “Our design for the new Google Campus at King’s Cross is rooted in the local character of the area, taking advantage of the contextually defined building envelope while creating continuously cascading work environments that will connect Googlers across multiple floors.

“Our offices and facilities play a key part in shaping the Google culture, which is one of the reasons we are known for being amongst the best places to work in the industry.”

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in November that the new Google campus, as the overall development is now being referred to, will be able to accommodate 7,000 Googlers when it is finished, making it one of Google’s largest bases in the world.

At the time, Pichai told the BBC during a visit to London that Google sees “big opportunities” in the UK. “The UK has been a tremendous market for us,” he said. “We see big opportunities here. This is a big commitment from us — we have some of the best talent in the world in the UK and to be able to build great products from here sets us up well for the long term.”

Image source: heatherwick.com