Amazon opens new London HQ, plans to double high tech roles

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jul 25, 2017

Amazon has reaffirmed its loyalty to London amid Brexit uncertainty as it unveiled its new UK head office in Shoreditch. The 15-storey building offers 600,000 sq ft of space and will be home to Amazon’s development centre as well as other departments.

The e-tail giant plans to increase its number of high tech staff from 450 to 900, which means the company will have over 5,000 corporate, research and development roles in London across its three offices by the end of the year.

"This is great news for Britain - Amazon's increased investment in developing cutting-edge technology in London is another vote of confidence in the UK as a world-leading centre of creativity and innovation,” said Minister for Digital Matt Hancock at the head office opening.

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"London is one of the world's truly great cities and home to some of the most talented, creative people on the planet, and we are delighted to provide our teams of innovators with a new, purpose-built workplace," added Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager, Amazon. 

Located on Norton Folgate, between Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street stations, Amazon's new UK head office at Principal Place is a mixed-use development with half an acre of public piazza and events space and 20,000 sq. ft. of retail, including cafés and restaurants.

The building has a design-led interior which celebrates the industrial heritage and rich culture of Shoreditch, complemented by a rotating selection of art provided by local artists. 

Amazon has invested more than £6.4 billion in the UK in building and running its operations since 2010. This year Amazon has pledged to create 5,000 new permanent roles across the country, bringing its total workforce to 24,000 across its head office, three development centres as well as its fulfilment and customer service centres.