Facebook Unveils Massive London HQ—504,000 Square Feet of Future‑Proof Tech
In a bold move that says “We’ve got faith in Britain,” Facebook has rolled out its biggest engineering hub outside the U.S., right in the heart of London’s Rathbone Place.
What You’ll Find Inside
- 800 high‑tech hires—new brains, fresh ideas, and lots of coffee.
- Designed by the legendary Frank Gehry: think flowing lines and a glassy vibe that would make a catwalk jealous.
- Sprawling across seven floors, the 247,000‑sq‑ft space is more than just an office; it’s a playground for innovation.
- A brand‑new public square just off Oxford Street—where you can catch a pick‑up game of chess while waiting for your coworker.
Why It Matters
With plans to launch its first in‑house startup incubator, Facebook is eyeing the UK as a launchpad for the next generation of digital disruptors. That’s a win for Britain’s thriving tech scene—think of it as building a “bootleg” university where all the grit and grind intersect.
Talk from the Big Heads
- Chancellor Philip Hammond: “A sign of confidence—plus 800 new skilled jobs next year. We’re looking at a future where London is the place to be, not just a place to eat fish and chips.”
- Mayor Sadiq Khan: “The incubator will pull in fresh talent, set the stage for the next wave of kick‑ass startups.”
- Nicola Mendelsohn (Facebook EVP for EMEA): “We’re more committed than ever to the UK. London’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is one of the best in the world—makes it perfect for tech. We love it here, and we’ll keep building together.”
Beyond Numbers
Facebook’s own calculations predict a British workforce swelling to 2,300 by next year—10 years after opening its first London office. Talk about scaling up!
So if you’re a tech wizard, founder, or just a curious cat, keep your eyes on this space. It’s more than a building—it’s a whole new chapter for UK tech, and Facebook is ready to write it.
