Latest Designs Revealed for New Google HQ at King’s Cross

Google has submitted updated plans to Camden Council which reveal what its proposed Kings Cross headquarters will look like – and the benefits for the community.

The so called ‘groundscaper’ building will stretch for 300 meters along the railway lines beside the Regents Canal. The plans include a 250-metre shopping parade and community space, which would host a year-round programme of local and educational events. The retail space will be a mix of established and new brands with a market hall to showcase small businesses.

Behind the new building are Danish architects Bjarke Ingels Group and Kings Cross-based designer Thomas Heatherwick. Construction of the timber, steel and glass building, known as KGX1, is already underway with completion expected by 2024.

According to the plans the building will hold a 25-metre swimming pool as well as a 200-metre rooftop running trail and a sports hall with views across the capital.

When complete the building will be the workplace for 4,000 of the tech giant’s employees. But according to Google it will be “a resource not just for Googlers but Londoners, too.”

“One of the ways our ambition will come to life,” says the company, “is via our office’s ground floor, which runs along King’s Boulevard.

“To ensure it meets the needs of our local area, we’re listening to residents’ and small businesses’ views and ideas through partnerships with organisations like Camden Giving, which works to end poverty and inequality in Camden, and local media start-up Camdenist. We’ll continue this work to ensure the place we create is relevant and meaningful, and has a positive local impact, complementing our wider community outreach in the area.”

Read more about this story in the Evening Standard.