Britain will be 'just fine' post-Brexit: Apple CEO

© Beni Krausz via Unsplash

"We are very optimistic about the UK's future and we are all in," the CEO of the US tech giant told ITV television after meeting Prime Minister Theresa May and London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday during a visit to Britain.

Apple announced in September that it would create a London headquarters in the iconic and long-abandoned Battersea Power Station on the banks of the River Thames.

Taking over 40% office space

The new 'Apple complex' will take over 40% of the office space. Around 1,400 staff from eight existing offices in London will relocate to the renovated landmark which dates back to the 1930s.

Facebook, Google, Apple and Snapchat have all announced major investments in London in the past few months, underlining the capital's status as a technology hub.

Significant space to expand

"We're double-downing on a huge headquarters in the Battersea area... and we're leaving significant space there to expand," says Tim Cook, Apple's chief executive. There will be enough space for 3,000 staff.

The former power station lay derelict since it stopped generating electricity in 1983, but is undergoing a £9 billion (US$11.7 billion, 10.4 billion euros) makeover to turn the 42-acre (170,000 square meters) space into offices, apartments, shops and leisure facilities.

Source: AFP