OpenAI secures London office to expand UK workforce as AI talent strategy accelerates

US AI company OpenAI has announced plans to expand its UK workforce with a new permanent office in London's King's Cross district, reinforcing its commitment to building research and engineering capacity in Britain despite shelving a major data centre project the previous week. The development is relevant to HR and talent professionals tracking how major AI companies are structuring international workforce growth.

Ireland Live reported that the new office at Regent's Quarter will span 88,500 square feet and have capacity for 544 workers, with an opening scheduled for next year. OpenAI currently employs approximately 200 staff in London across research, engineering, customer support, policy, communications, marketing, and sales.

The announcement follows OpenAI's decision to pause its Stargate UK project, a planned network of AI data centre sites including locations near Newcastle and Blyth, citing energy costs and regulatory conditions as barriers to long-term investment.

Phoebe Thacker, OpenAI's global head of data research programmes and London site lead, said: "The UK has an incredible depth of talent and a strong track record in AI." Thacker added that the new office gives OpenAI the space to keep building in London, which the company wants to be its largest research hub outside the US.

She noted: "This investment reflects our long-term commitment to the UK and the role it can play in shaping how AI is developed safely and used to benefit people all over the world."

The King's Cross location places OpenAI alongside Google's UK headquarters and its forthcoming £1 billion (€1.18 Bn) European HQ, home to its DeepMind AI division, reinforcing the area's status as a major hub for AI talent and investment.

Access the full announcement and workforce expansion details.