ABP establishes global headquarters in Newham
The bosses of Advanced Business Park, the Chinese developer that wants to overhaul London’s Royal Albert Docks, unpacked their bags and moved into Newham today after a striking a deal to open new global headquarters there.
At a formal signing ceremony this morning between ABP Chairman Xu Weiping and Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales at Newham Dockside, the developer announced they will be renting part of the fourth floor at Newham Council’s offices at Newham Dockside.
From their windows on the fourth floor ABP will keep watch over their 35-acre business park development, which could start in the next 18 months and is tipped to bring some £6bn of investment to the UK economy.
Weiping said: “Our decision to grow here in Newham highlights our commitment to the Royal Albert Dock project in creating London’s newest business district.
“When I announced in September that we intended to locate our global headquarters in London we were approached with a number of suggestions and options. But my heart and my head both told me that the best place and most logical option was Newham. East London and the Royal Docks are fast becoming the first choice destination for business, particularly for international trade.”
Earlier this week ABP signed a separate deal with accountants PwC to provide services to help companies from China to set up in the UK at the Royal Albert Docks. The company hopes to use the Royal Docks development as a base for Chinese firms wanting to gain a foothold in the UK and Europe.
Proposals for Royal Albert Dock have gone on display today for three days at a public exhibition at Compressor House.