Apple’s London move seen as a post-Brexit lift for the UK
The power station, built in the 1930s and famous for its imposing quartet of art deco chimneys, stood derelict on the south bank of the River Thames for about three decades until the site was bought in 2012 by a Malaysian consortium.
A total of 42 acres is being developed with around half the area earmarked for shops, restaurants, and hotels and half for housing, including some apartments which are on sale for several million pounds.
The iPhone-maker will be housed in the former central boiler house and will become the largest office tenant at the site. Apple will move in 2021 and occupy around 500,000 sq ft across six floors, making the deal the largest office letting in the West End of London in 20 years, said the Battersea Power Station Development Company.
British finance minister Philip Hammond welcomed the move, which comes in the wake of concerns that global businesses may move or downsize their London offices after Britons voted to leave the EU on June 23.
“It’s another vote of confidence in the UK economy, sending a clear signal that companies are continuing to invest in Britain’s future, and that we are one of the most attractive investment destinations for the global technology industry,” he said.
Apple, which operates its European headquarters from Cork, said 1,400 staff will move from its existing London offices to the new location.
“It’s a great opportunity to have our entire team working and collaborating in one location while supporting the renovation of a neighbourhood rich with history,” a spokeswoman said.
Apple and other firms will share the site with over 4,000 homes, with the first residents due to move in the next few months and the first commercial tenants opening their businesses next year.
Meanwhile, US health insurer Aetna plans to offer some customers discounts on Apple’s smartwatch, marking the first deal made by the tech giant with an insurer for its devices. The deal could help Apple boost the appeal of its watchas it looks to target health and fitness-conscious users.
