Google has confirmed it will finally move into its long-awaited £1 billion European headquarters in London's King's Cross district this summer, following years of construction delays and setbacks. The technology behemoth revealed the sprawling complex will be officially named Platform 37, a nod to its proximity to King's Cross station and a historic moment in artificial intelligence research.
A Monumental Move After Years of Waiting
Originally slated for completion in 2024, the project faced multiple hurdles including reported contractor issues that pushed back the timeline. Construction officially began in 2018, with Google and DeepMind artificial intelligence experts now preparing to relocate their teams to the innovative site over the coming months.
The 'Landscraper' Design
The building itself represents a remarkable architectural achievement, stretching an impressive 330 metres in length—making it longer than The Shard is tall—while reaching 72 metres high at its tallest point across eleven storeys. This distinctive horizontal profile has earned it the nickname "landscraper" within architectural circles.
Designed by renowned architects Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels, the structure features a unique "hung" design with floors suspended rather than fixed to the building's sides, creating enhanced natural light and spacious interiors throughout the workspace.
Platform 37: More Than Just a Name
The headquarters' name carries significant symbolic weight. Platform 37 references both the building's location near King's Cross station and Move 37, the groundbreaking play made by DeepMind's AlphaGo artificial intelligence system against world champion Go player Lee Sae Dol in 2016. This moment represented a pivotal achievement in AI development that stunned the global technology community.
Public Access and Environmental Commitment
In a move toward greater community engagement, Google plans to open The AI Exchange on the ground floor—a publicly accessible space dedicated to artificial intelligence education and exploration. Visitors will encounter free educational programming, interactive exhibitions, and cultural events designed to demystify AI technology for broader audiences.
The building also features an expansive rooftop garden developed in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust and Camden Borough Council. This green space has been densely planted to serve as a habitat supporting local biodiversity, reflecting Google's commitment to environmental sustainability within urban development.
Leadership Vision for the Future
Sir Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind co-founder and chief executive, described the King's Cross headquarters as the company's "most ambitious and innovative building to date" in an official blog announcement. He emphasized the facility represents more than just office space, calling it "a monument to science and intelligence" where multidisciplinary teams will collaborate on future breakthroughs.
"I see this spectacular building as more than an office—it is a monument to science and intelligence," Hassabis stated. "Our multi-disciplinary teams will work together here to achieve the next world-changing breakthroughs like AlphaGo, pioneering the path toward artificial general intelligence to build a better future for the benefit of everyone."
The summer relocation marks a significant milestone for Google's European operations, establishing a cutting-edge hub for AI research and development in one of London's most rapidly transforming districts. The completion of this project reinforces London's position as a global technology center while bringing Google's long-delayed vision for its European headquarters to fruition.
