OpenAI is launching its first permanent London office after signing a deal to occupy 88,500 square feet at Nan Fung Group's Regent Quarter scheme in King's Cross.
The firm, which owns ChatGPT, is expected to move into its new London home next year, taking space across the Jahn Court and Brassworks buildings. Up to 544 staff can be housed at the site.
OpenAI said the move reflects continued United Kingdom demand for its products and supports plans to grow its teams across research, engineering and commercial functions.
It employs about 200 people in London, but has previously outlined its intent to make the city its largest research hub outside the United States.
London is already described by the company as a "key hub" for its global research, with teams contributing to critical components of OpenAI’s work, including Codex, its AI-powered coding agent and software engineering tool.
Phoebe Thacker, global head of data research programmes and London site lead at OpenAI, said the United Kingdom "has an incredible depth of talent and a strong track record in AI. London is already a key hub for our research and teams, and this new office gives us the space to keep building here."
The lease follows confirmation from OpenAI last week that is was paused its flagship AI infrastructure project in the United Kingdom, called Stargate UK, due to issues with "regulation and the cost of energy".
The update came just seven months after it announced the project on the back of the Technology Prosperity Deal signing between the United Kingdom and United States government, intended to "usher in the next golden age of innovation".
OpenAI said in its London headquarters announcement that it was continuing to deliver on the priorities set out in last year’s memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom government.
"Since signing, it has introduced data residency for UK customers, signed agreements with the Ministry of Justice, and is supporting UK SMEs to build AI skills through its SME Accelerator programme," the ChatGPT owner said.
Nan Fung acquired Regent Quarter from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in 2018 for £300.5 million, with Endurance Land, its development arm, leading work to create a mixed-use asset comprising 12 office buildings and 20 retail and leisure units.
King's Cross is an established technology cluster within London, with Google developing a 1 million-square-foot, purpose-built headquarters building around the corner, called Platform 37.
Oliver Jackson, director at Endurance Land added: "This landmark letting represents a pivotal moment for Regent Quarter as a destination for pioneering organisations shaping the future of their industries.
"As we continue to evolve the estate, our ambition at Endurance Land is to create a campus for knowledge-led occupiers that attracts and supports leading global innovators, fostering a dynamic ecosystem defined by collaboration, innovation and long-term growth."