L'Oreal Groupe has opened a new “purpose-built” headquarters in Gateway Central at White City Place next to Television Centre as the company celebrates 90 years of being in the UK. The French beauty giant has relocated its 1,000-plus London workforce to a new “future fit working environment” in White City’s growing innovation district.

The building is 10% larger than the group’s previous headquarters in Hammersmith Broadway and houses its 36 international brands, including Garnier and L'Oreal Paris. The space also features the group’s flagship educational centre L’Oréal Academy, which trains more than 10,000 UK hair and beauty professionals core technical skills every year.

L’Oréal’s UK and Ireland MD Thierry Cheval hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony for the headquarters opening on 28 September. He was joined by Hélène Duchêne, French Ambassador to the UK; Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business and Leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council; and London Councillor Stephen Cowan.

“As the number-one beauty player in the UK – and one of the leading markets globally for L’Oréal Groupe – we know that it is our talented people that are at the heart of our success,” said Cheval.

“We believe the office plays a critical role in fuelling this success now and in the future.

“Our new headquarters is much more than just a physical space.

“It is an extension of our culture, who we are, our purpose and our values.”

The building is powered by 100% renewable energy, including 8% from PV panels on the roof and solar-controlled glass. Recycled plastics and upcycled fabrics and materials are also used throughout. For example, all meeting room chairs are made from 100% recycled plastics and the fabric on them is made out of 45% recycled wool.

L’Oréal Groupe’s new London headquarters has achieved an Outstanding BREEAM Design Stage certification, which is the science-based method of assessing and certifying the sustainability of buildings.

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business and Leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, said he was “delighted” that L’Oréal Groupe has chosen to locate to White City.