Google Setting Sights on Cambridge Offices?

The rumour mill is once again rife, with predictions on where tech giant Google will set up offices next.

Cambridge University sources have gone on record to say they believe a centre in the city of Cambridge may be imminent, and that the draw of the ability to tap into the university's pool of talented postgraduates may prove irresistible. Senior figures in the business community also confirm that they've heard rumours Google wants a presence in Silicon Fen.

Such a move would draw comparisons to the Microsoft Research offshoot on Station Road, where more than 100 people are already employed.

Google has already established strong connections with the city. The Centre for Computing History, based in Coldham's Lane, has announced a partnership with the tech giant, aimed at introducing IT skills to children across the UK. An undisclosed, but substantial, amount of money has also been poured into plans to establish a museum of computing.

Google also provides financial support for the internet watchdog, the Internet Watch Foundation, based on the Cambridge Research Park in Waterbeach.

"We've not heard anything from Google about wanting to set up here, but it would be amazing if they did," said an IWF spokeswoman. "We work very closely with them, and have done for a number of years, and if they wanted to come here in the future, it would be very exciting for the area as a whole."

Cllr Nick Wright, of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "We would welcome the opportunity to talk to them if they do (choose to open offices here). The types of firms already thriving in the area and our business-friendly approach would be it a prime location for the company."