Londoners react to landmark new Apple HQ at Battersea Power Station

Apple will move 1,400 staff into its new headquarters by 2021.

Apple is set to create a brand new London headquarters at Battersea Power Station, it was revealed on 28 September.

Roughly 1,400 staff are expected to move into the "new Apple campus" at the former electricity generator. The site is being restored after more than 30 years of neglect and Apple employees are set to occupy all six floors of office space in the Thames-side location.

Apple is set to open the new building in 2021 and it will be one of its biggest headquarters outside of the US. However, Apple's main Europe headquarters will remain in Cork, Ireland, where some 4,000 people are employed.

A spokesperson for Apple said: "This is a great opportunity to have our entire team working and collaborating in one location while supporting the renovation of a neighbourhood rich with history."

The move is said to have come as a relief amid concerns about reducing foreign investment in the development zone on London's south bank. Apple has expressed delight over moving to "one of the city's best-known landmarks" in a deal which has taken roughly one year to negotiate.

Apple HQ - Battersea Power Station — The new Apple HQ at Battersea Power Station is set to be one of the company's biggest sites outside the US Battersea Power Station

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has also hailed the deal, saying: "I am delighted that Apple is moving into Battersea Power Station, helping to generate new jobs and economic prosperity for Londoners. It is a further sign that London is open to the biggest brands in the world and the leading city for trade and investment."

Apple will lease roughly 500,000sq ft of office space at Battersea Power Station, almost 40% of the total space within the development. Londoners have been quick to comment on the deal, with Battersea Power Station trending across the city soon after the news broke.

IBTimes UK rounds up some of the mixed responses to the new Apple HQ.

Excitement...

This while project is going to look GREAT ... from a helicopter (just see flats if you're passing on a train). https://t.co/sIm2DNQiMn
— Warren Chrismas (@warrenchrismas) September 28, 2016

so v cool (all else aside Boris did nail it in attracting the investment/redevelopment from Malaysia when Mayor) https://t.co/BxVs9WphPC
— Eileen Burbidge (@eileentso) September 28, 2016

Others were disappointed...

Gutted to hear of Apple moving into Battersea Power Station. Gentrification continues, #Battersea can no longer be my home or many others.
— Ruth Beresford (@reberesford) September 28, 2016

APPLE ARE MOVING TO BATTERSEA POWER STATION 2021!!? Watch the south side of the river councils evict all the brown people by 2019.
— W. (@WyattFDixon) September 28, 2016

Some had other plans for Battersea Power Station...

Always hoped for Battersea Power Station to turn into an Arena or a football stadium. Would be epic with the chimneys. https://t.co/U9cv0DbtRa
— Lewis Pugsley (@PugsleyLewis) September 28, 2016

Many were quick to comment on Apple's taxes...

Gr8 4 #London but wish they would pay their taxes #Apple to create stunning new HQ at Battersea Power Station https://t.co/XDuRDU5ejD
— Lucille48%Grant (@Loulou45Grant) September 28, 2016

Some joked about Apple's battery life...

Of all the companies that could move into Battersea Power Station, it has to be the one whose batteries don't last. #apple
— Steve Masters (@masterstips) September 28, 2016

Brexit was also thrown into the discussion...

Apple is making a new HQ in the UK at Battersea Power Station!@VoteRemainUK, how's Brexit turning investors away and harming the economy?
— Noothan (@nathanwgbfc) September 28, 2016

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