Log In Get Started
Stock Markets March 12, 2026

Google christens new London headquarters 'Platform 37' in tribute to nearby rail hub and AlphaGo moment

The elongated 'landscraper' will host Google and DeepMind teams this summer and include a public AI learning space later in the year

By Hana Yamamoto GOOGL
Google christens new London headquarters 'Platform 37' in tribute to nearby rail hub and AlphaGo moment
GOOGL

Google has given its new London headquarters the name Platform 37, a reference both to its proximity to King’s Cross railway station and to 'Move 37' from DeepMind’s AlphaGo match. The Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels-designed building stretches 330 metres beside the rail lines, and will begin welcoming Google and Google DeepMind staff in the summer. Google also plans to open a community AI space called 'The AI Exchange' in the building later this year. Platform 37 is the company’s first fully owned and designed building outside the United States and has experienced a protracted development timeline since its 2013 announcement, including delays in fit out.

Key Points

  • Google has named its London headquarters Platform 37, referencing King’s Cross station and DeepMind’s 'Move 37' in the AlphaGo match - sectors impacted include technology and AI research.
  • The building, designed by Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels, stretches 330 metres alongside King’s Cross rail lines and is described as a 'landscraper' - real estate and commercial property sectors are affected.
  • Google and Google DeepMind teams are due to begin moving in during the summer; Google plans to open a public AI learning space called 'The AI Exchange' later this year - implications for community engagement with AI and corporate campus operations.

Overview

Google announced that its new London headquarters will be known as Platform 37, a name chosen to acknowledge both the building’s immediate neighbour, King’s Cross railway station, and an influential move from the field of artificial intelligence - 'Move 37', played by DeepMind’s AlphaGo.

Occupancy and timelines

According to Google, teams from Google and Google DeepMind - the company’s AI research laboratory - are scheduled to begin moving into Platform 37 in the summer. The company has also said it will open 'The AI Exchange', described as a community space where people can learn about AI, within the building later this year.

Why the name

The reference to 'Move 37' recalls an unconventional play made by AlphaGo almost 10 years ago to the day. Demis Hassabis, Co-Founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, described in a blog post that the move was so unexpected that experts initially assumed it to be an error, but that as the game progressed it became clear the move enabled AlphaGo to secure victory. Hassabis said AlphaGo’s win marked the start of what is now recognised as the modern era in AI.

Design and scale

The new building, created by designers Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels, runs 330 metres alongside the railway tracks that lead into King’s Cross. The structure has been described as a 'landscraper' and its length exceeds the 310-metre height of London’s Shard skyscraper.

Development history

Platform 37 represents Google’s first building that it both wholly owns and designed outside the United States. The project has had a prolonged gestation after its announcement in 2013, with the company acknowledging delays in the fit out phase.

Context and next steps

Google’s public plans for the site include the community-focused 'The AI Exchange', which the company intends to open later this year. Beyond that, Google has indicated only the summer move-in timeframe for employees; further operational details and schedules were not specified.

Note: The article contains a brief reference to a Fair Value calculator applied to the ticker GOOGL; the mention describes a valuation tool that uses a mix of 17 industry models. No additional details or endorsements are provided.

Risks

  • The project has experienced a lengthy development period since its 2013 announcement, including delays in the fit out - this creates uncertainty for commercial real estate timelines and occupancy schedules.
  • The planned opening of 'The AI Exchange' is scheduled for later this year, but the announcement reflects intent rather than guaranteed timing - this introduces schedule risk for community-facing programming and local engagement.
  • Limited operational detail beyond the summer move-in timeline and the planned community space leaves questions about full occupancy plans and phased rollouts - affecting corporate real estate and local economic activity forecasts.

More from Stock Markets

Indivior Shares Slip After Announcement of $400 Million Convertible Note Offering Mar 12, 2026 Wolfe Research Says Volatility Signals More Downside Risk for U.S. Stocks Mar 12, 2026 Deutsche Bank flags private credit vulnerabilities as portfolio expands to nearly €26bn Mar 12, 2026 Neste Shares Climb After RBC Raises Target, Citing Iran Conflict-Driven Margin Upside Mar 12, 2026 Deutsche Bank Flags Private Credit Exposure; Shares Drop 4% Mar 12, 2026