The first time that Apple mentioned this new campus in London was in 2016, Tim Cook mentioned a gigantic area that would accommodate 1,400 employees who work in offices in London and around. Now that project is finally becoming a reality, Tim Cook visited the campus of the former Battersea Power Station, due to open in the first quarter of next year.
A gigantic campus with modern architecture
Due to its Art Deco fittings and reputation as one of the largest brick structures in the world, the disused Battersea power station (in south-west London) did not escape Apple, which wanted to recover this gigantic building. The Cupertino company is soon preparing to inaugurate one of its largest headquarters outside the United States.
According to several freely available information on the internet, Apple has decided to rent 46,451 m2 as early as 2016, even if the Californian giant could easily have bought this old power plant, the company preferred not to make big expenses. It must be said that in terms of campus, the Apple Park (which is relatively recent) has already been very expensive and it is very likely that the board of directors would not have accepted a new XXL expense.
From next year, Apple will occupy the six upper floors around a huge central atrium. There will also be three floors of shops, 253 apartments around a “garden square in the sky”, a 2,000-seat auditorium and cinemas in a scheme designed by London architects Wilkinson Eyre.
Tim Cook was visiting today, the CEO expressed his enthusiasm through a tweet:
Apple has been a part of the London community for over 40 years, and we’re excited to reunite some of our teams in historic Battersea powerhouse soon.
Once the powerhouse for much of London, this building’s transformation honors London’s past and celebrates its future. We are so happy to be part of it.
The cost of the rental has not been disclosed, but this initiative will bring together all London teams in a single location. To compensate for the monthly investment in these new premises, Apple will abandon the old offices used in and around London.
We can’t wait to open our new offices in the iconic Battersea Power Station for so many of our team members in London early next year. It’s a tribute to this incredible city and a reflection of our commitment to Apple’s future in the UK. pic.twitter.com/67M3qpaSTB
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 26, 2022
Here are some photos of the new building taken by an Apple customer and his iPhone 13 Pro Max a few months ago.
Shot on iPhone 13 Pro Max a few months back pic.twitter.com/Y0GtOLIOhN
— Shaun Jenks 📱⌚️💻🎧📸✈️ (@Shaunjenks) September 26, 2022