Facebook to build King’s Cross headquarters

Facebook and King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership (KCCLP) have signed a deal that will see the former acquire 56,700m² of office space across three buildings at King’s Cross, London.

The move marks one of the most significant commercial deals in London this decade: circa 15% of the total commercial space at King’s Cross will be let in a single deal. The agreement is said to further build on King’s Cross’ reputation as a destination for creatively-led businesses.

Facebook, which currently has UK offices in Rathbone Place and Brock Street, London, will occupy three buildings at King’s Cross, including P2 on Lewis Cubitt Square and 11 and 21 Canal Reach.

11 and 21 Canal Reach have been designed by architects Bennetts Associates and have detailed planning permission, featuring ten and twelve floors of modern Grade A office space respectively.

With expansive double-height receptions and landscaped roof gardens and terraces, the buildings located in the ‘Western Yards’ of King’s Cross offer their users uninterrupted views over Central London.

P2, for which a reserved matters planning application was submitted in June, is designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) and will provide nine floors of office space, alongside a new theatre for London, a fifth-floor wrap-around terrace and retail space at ground level.

Facebook will join a host of tenants already calling King’s Cross home, including Google, Universal Music, media multinational Havas, Louis Vuitton and many more.

Will Colthorpe, Partner at KCCLP said: “We are thrilled that Facebook will be coming to King’s Cross and has chosen to expand its business here. This deal cements King’s Cross’ reputation as one of the UK’s leading tech destinations.

“It is a very exciting time for King’s Cross. Retail centrepiece Coal Drops Yard opens to the public in October, and ten years after first breaking ground on the development, some of the world’s biggest brands now call this their home.”

Speaking about the announcement, The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “This investment is great news for the capital. We welcome Facebook’s long-term commitment, which is further evidence that London is open for business and a world-leading destination for major tech companies.”