Why Google DeepMind Chose King’s Cross: How Businesses in London Are Using Space Today
Google's new headquarters at Platform 37 reflects the growing importance of London's transport hubs as centres for innovation and business.
📍 Why King’s Cross Has Become a Hub for Innovation
Earlier this year, Google announced the official name of its new UK headquarters in King’s Cross: Platform 37. The name references both the building’s location next to King’s Cross Station and the famous “Move 37” played by DeepMind’s AlphaGo during its historic 2016 match against world champion Lee Sedol.
Google has confirmed that, from this summer, teams from Google DeepMind and other AI researchers and engineers will begin moving into Platform 37. As one of the UK's most significant centres for AI research, the move further highlights the growing importance of London's major transport hubs as places where innovation and business come together.
So why are so many global technology companies paying attention to areas such as King’s Cross and Paddington?
📍 The Shift Towards Connectivity and Access
As AI and other digital technologies continue to reshape the way organisations operate, businesses are becoming more connected and increasingly flexible. In this environment, the value of a workspace is no longer defined solely by its size, but also by its accessibility. Companies regularly bring together employees, clients, investors and partners for in-person collaboration, and in a hybrid working world, being able to meet easily has become increasingly important.
King’s Cross is one of London's best-connected locations, offering direct access to major UK cities, Eurostar services to Europe, the London Underground and key airport links.
Paddington has similarly emerged as a major business district, supported by the Elizabeth Line, which provides fast links between Heathrow Airport and central London.
📈 The Reality of the 2026 London Space Market
These changes are also influencing how businesses use space across the capital. According to Knight Frank’s Q1 2026 London Office Market Report (PDF), demand continues to concentrate on newly built and high-quality refurbished Grade A offices, while supply remains limited in some of London's key business districts.
At the same time, as hybrid working becomes firmly established, many organisations are choosing not to expand their permanent office footprint. Instead, they are taking a more flexible approach, using meeting rooms and event venues when they are needed most. Demand remains strong for spaces that can support team workshops, client meetings, investor presentations and internal training sessions.
Yet finding the right venue is often more time-consuming than it should be. Teams frequently need to compare multiple options, assess costs, review facilities and coordinate with different venue providers before making a decision.
💼 SpaceBiz: Simplifying Venue Sourcing for Businesses
SpaceBiz was created to simplify that process.
Using AI-powered matching technology, SpaceBiz helps businesses identify suitable venues based on their objectives, requirements and budget. Where additional support is needed, our concierge team can help source further options and manage the venue search process. This allows organisations to spend less time on administration and more time focusing on what matters most.
In today's fast-moving business environment, competitive advantage is no longer defined by having more office space. Increasingly, it comes from having the flexibility to secure the right space, in the right location, when it is needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why tech giants like Google are choosing transport hubs for their headquarters?
TTech companies are prioritising locations such as King's Cross and Paddington because of their excellent transport links. These areas offer easy access to national and international travel networks, as well as convenient public transport across London. This level of connectivity helps businesses attract talent, bring together clients and partners, and adapt more easily to hybrid ways of working.
How is the demand for office space changing in London?
There's strong demand for high-quality, newly built or refurbished Grade A office space, while supply in some of London's key business districts remains limited. At the same time, as hybrid working becomes more established, many companies are taking a more flexible approach rather than expanding their permanent office footprint. As a result, demand is growing for venues that can be booked when needed for team workshops, client meetings and other business events.
What challenges do businesses face when sourcing meeting and event venues?
Finding the right venue can be a time-consuming process. Businesses often need to compare multiple options, assess costs, review facilities and coordinate with different venue providers before making a decision. All of this takes time away from day-to-day operations and other priorities.
How does SpaceBiz address the challenge of venue sourcing?
SpaceBiz simplifies the venue search process using AI-powered matching technology to help businesses find suitable spaces based on their requirements and budget. Where additional support is needed, the concierge team can help manage the sourcing and booking process. This allows organisations to spend less time searching for venues and more time focusing on their events and other business priorities.
