Google buys space from Nasa

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 6 Jun 2008 at 09:56

Google is to build 1.2 million square feet of offices at NASA's Ames Research Centre, in order to house thousands of future employees.

The company claims it is growing at such a rate that it will need the extra space, although construction won't start for another five years.

In 2013 the first phase of development will begin, with new buildings planned for construction at various points over the next nine years.

As well as offices and research and development facilities, the campus project will include the usual Google benefits; gyms, swimming pools and a child care centre, as well as some improvements to NASA buildings.

"With this new campus, we will establish a new era of expanded collaboration with Google that will further enhance our Silicon Valley connections," says Ames director Pete Worden.

Google has signed a 40 year lease, although extension options could mean that it runs for 90 years if both parties agree on rent levels.

"This long-term lease agreement is a key component of Google's strategy for continued growth in Silicon Valley," says David Radcliffe, Google's vice president of real estate and workplace services. "We believe this collaboration between Google, NASA and the city of Mountain View is emblematic of the mutually beneficial partnerships that can be created between the public and private sectors."

Google has helpfully created an outline of the future campus on its Maps service, which you can see here.