Paul Norman and Bridget O’Connell
Apple is scouring west London for a 300,000 sq ft office campus.
Buoyed by the success of its newly launched iPhone, the US computer and software giant is now seeking a much larger base, and has put its 60,000 sq ft Mayfair headquarters requirement on hold.
The iPhone – which is a mobile phone, camera, internet browser and iPod in one – went on sale in the US last week and more than 700,000 were sold in just three days. It will be launched in the UK later this year.
Apple, which is advised by DTZ in the UK, is looking for up to 300,000 sq ft between Paddington and Heathrow.
It is considering two Development Securities’ schemes – Paddington Central, W2, and a 375,000 sq ft office development next to Hammersmith station, W6, – and GE Real Estate’s and Landid’s Ralph Erskine-designed The Ark in Hammersmith.
Richard Golding, director of office agency at DTZ, said: “Rather than continuing to acquire buildings, Apple wants to find one it can grow into over the next few years.”
Apple had been in negotiations with Great Portland Estates over a potential 60,000 sq ft prelet of 60 Great Portland Street, W1, for its HQ. However, that space is now believed to be under offer to advertising agency WCRS for close to £70 per sq ft.
A source said: “This requirement has risen substantially as Apple anticipates massive expansion in support of the iPhone. It also mirrors what Apple has done in the US.”
In America, Apple is moving out of its 30 offices in Cupertino, California, into a single 50-acre, purpose-built campus.
The new UK campus will consolidate Apple’s 26,000 sq ft HQ above its flagship store on Regent Street, W1, and its 51,000 sq ft office at 2 Furzeground Way in Stockley Park.
iPhone: launched in the US this week due for UK release later this year
