AN OFFICE building which will bring more global companies to the 'beating heart of west London' opened its doors this week.

After 18 months of building, the first block of the £50million 10 Hammersmith Grove project was officially opened on Monday by Sir Edward Lister, the Mayor of London's chief of staff and deputy mayor for policy and planning, Nicholas Botterill, leader of Hammersmith and Fulham council and developers, Development Securities director, Julian Barwick.

The eight storey building already has over one third of its office space plus two quality, casual dining restaurants and a smaller restaurant/cafe space under offer.

Simon Hesketh, development director at Development Securities, said: "We’re really pleased to develop what we think is the first top quality office development in the area in over 10 years. We hope it will attract quality occupiers from within the borough and outside the borough and from central London and also occupiers from in the M25 and M4 corridor.

"We chose this site because it is the best in Hammersmith to deliver the decent, larger floor plate our occupiers want."

Although the developers, Development Securities PLC, cannot yet reveal which businesses are hoping to move into the 110,000 sq ft of office and retail space, it can be confidently assumed it will be filled by well known companies to join Hammersmith's array which include Disney and L'Oreal to name a few.

Boasting three restaurant units and three roof terraces, the views stretching out over Lyric Square to The London Wetland Centre to the south of the Thames are hoping to attract customers and businesses to Hammersmith.

Mr Botterill, said: "10 Hammersmith Grove is the latest high-profile regeneration project to be completed in the town centre, and this innovative new building stands as testament to the confidence that domestic and international businesses have in Hammersmith. Its occupiers will benefit from unrivalled transport links, fantastic shops, leisure and entertainment facilities right outside their door which makes Hammersmith the beating heart of west London."

Sir Lister added that Boris Johnson has high hopes for the area and with London's burgeoning population, people need more places to work, with Hammersmith's transport links and ability to attract global companies making it the perfect place to choose.

The second block, which will see construction starting next year, will offer offices and a further two large restaurant/cafe units, and is set for completion by 2016.