Manchester firm to advise on Google’s new 1,000,000 sq ft Kings Cross campus

Fire and risk engineering firm Olsson has been chosen to work on search giant Google’s new London HQ.

The Australasian company, which has its UK headquarters in Manchester, will provide its consultancy services as work preparations are made for the new 11-storey complex at Kings Cross.

Olsson’s appointment follows the submission of a planning application to Camden Council for the 1,000,000 sq ft development, which will be the first building wholly owned by and designed for Google outside the US.

Work on the scheme is due to get underway in 2018, subject to planning approval.

Google will occupy 650,000 sq ft at the site. Alongside the firm’s operation at 6 Pancras Square and an additional third building, the project will create a Google campus space for up to 7,000 employees.

Olsson director Sam Liptrott founded the company’s UK presence last year alongside Simon Lay, his former colleague at engineering consultancy AECOM.

Sam said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this team on such a pioneering project.

“In just 12 months we’ve established a UK wide team and partnered with some incredible clients to work on exciting projects, so we are perfectly placed to help Google realise its ambitious vision for this landmark project.”

The new building was designed by architects Heatherwick Studio and Bjarke Ingels Group.

Thomas Heatherwick, founder of Heatherwick Studio, commented: “As my home and the home of my studio for more than 15 years, I have a close relationship with King’s Cross.

“The area is a fascinating collision of diverse building types and spaces and I can’t help but love this mix of massive railway stations, roads, canals and other infrastructure all layered up into the most connected point in London.”

He continued: “Influenced by these surroundings, we have treated this new building for Google like a piece of infrastructure too, made from a family of interchangeable elements which ensure that the building and its workspace will stay flexible for years to come.”