Online giant Amazon has signed for a 210,000 sq ft office in central London to which it plans to move 1,600 of its staff.

The etailer, which is headquartered in Slough, said the office space will enable it to draw talent from London.

It follows the opening of Amazon’s digital media development centre in Shoreditch, London in September.

Amazon UK managing director Christopher North said: “This new office location will provide the space we require for hundreds of our existing employees as well as many more that we will hire in the future. Amazon has over 6,000 permanent employees in the UK and we will continue to create thousands of jobs in the coming years across the UK.

“We look forward to drawing from the capital’s strong pool of talent as we continue to innovate and enhance our service for the benefit of all our customers.”

The office, at 60 Holborn Viaduct, is set over 12 floors, with the first phase of its development due for completion in September. Amazon expects several hundred employees to relocate to the office by the end of 2013.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: “I am delighted that Amazon is once again choosing London for its ambitious expansion plans. This is excellent news for London’s continued growth as a leading global hub for tech talent.

“Whether a giant or an exciting new start-up, London is proving time and time again that we have the right places and people to support this vibrant sector, which is a significant contributor to our city’s economy supporting tens of thousands of jobs.”