Apple will open new offices near ARM’s Cambridge HQ

An office development in the area

Apple is expanding its long-held presence near the home of chip designer, ARM, in Cambridge, UK. It is preparing to move into a new building in the city.

Getting closer to the talent

The new building is situated near Cambridge railway station and may have space for 900 employees. Other big firms based in the area include Amazon, Microsoft, Samsung, and WeWork.

It seems both unsurprising and consequential that Apple is consolidating (or possibly extending) its position in Cambridge. Apple’s proprietary silicon makes use of reference designs developed by ARM, which is also based in the UK city. ARM employs around 3,000 people in Cambridge.

However, with the future of the company looking unpredictable following the collapse of Nvidia’s attempt to purchase the firm, Apple’s own silicon design teams will no doubt want to forge even stronger relationships with developers there.

I imagine the recruitment channel between both firms sees a certain amount of two-way traffic between the companies.

Apple’s new office maintains environmental focus

Apple’s new building likely doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of ARM’s existing HQ, which even features its own tech support hubs that function like an Apple Genius Bar

In common with all Apple’s corporate properties, the new building has environmental qualifications.

The space, which is expected to complete by September, will have an excellent BREEAM rating for sustainability and hosts green roofs to act as habitat for bats, birds, and other species. The building has underground parking space for over 300 bicycles and 51 vehicles.

Cambridge – a UK tech hub

The building has been put together by local development and investment company, Brookgate.

Sven Topel, Brookgate’s chief executive, said in a statement: “The completion of 30 Station Road is an important moment in the delivery of the central business district for Cambridge.

“CB1 has grown into an undisputed destination for research, tech and professional service companies in the heart of the city, with 30 Station Road set to welcome another global name to the estate, further establishing the development’s position as a hub for world-leading employers.”

Apple continues to invest in additional space in the UK. It recently expanded the office space used by its Apple Pay teams, and is currently building a new HQ in Battersea.

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