Apple to open 500,000 square foot office at Battersea Power Station

Alan Martin September 29, 2016

Battersea Power Station hasn’t done much since 1983, when it retired from its day job of powering London. But Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s Art Deco creation is due to get an exciting new tenant in 2021: Apple.

Apple to open 500,000 square foot office at Battersea Power Station

The iPhone, iPad and Mac creators are due to set up business in the iconic structure, making it one of their biggest offices outside of America. Apple plans to relocate its non-store staff from several smaller London offices, including Hanover Street in Mayfair and James Street in Covent Garden, and will occupy the top six floors – a total of 500,000 square feet, and around 40% of the real estate dedicated to office space. That’s enough room for around 3,000 employees, although it currently only has 2,530 in total, with around 1,100 of those working in the retail stores. For comparison’s sake, the company’s main European office in Cork, Ireland, employs 6,000 people. apple_battersea_power_station_office

Its new neighbours will include three floors’ worth of shops and 253 apartments, alongside a 2,000-seater auditorium. The development is due to welcome its first tenants this December, although Apple is not due to take up its space until 2021 – a year after Battersea is due to be connected to the Northern line of the capital’s Tube network.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted Apple is moving into Battersea Power Station, helping to generate new jobs and economic prosperity for London. It is a further sign London is open to the world’s biggest brands and the leading city for trade and investment.”

Wandsworth council leader Ravi Govindia echoed the mayor’s welcome, pointing out that the tech giants will become the borough’s largest employer. “we are hugely excited that they will play a keen and active role in our community,” he said.

Image: Locosteve and Lukephotos used under Creative Commons