The food manufacturer will make the move from Croydon to Gatwick by the end of 2012, relocating 840 office-based staff in the process.

Nestlé has agreed a 20-year lease on the property from Legal and General Property. The property firm agreed the surrender of the previor renter, BT, and bought the building for £39m.

Nestlé has said that the change is part of an ongoing programme to establish its next generation of manufacturing and office facilities in the UK, a project that has been taking place over the past five years.

However, it the company has said that it proved very difficult either to redevelop the company’s current offices, or identify an alternative location that meets its needs.

In 2010 the company therefore announced that it would need to explore options outside Croydon, while continuing to look for a suitable location in the town. While Nestlé were unable to find suitable offices in Croydon, Gatwick is only 18 miles away.

Paul Grimwood, chairman and CEO at Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “This move represents an exciting new chapter for Nestlé in the UK.  We are investing across the UK to establish our next generation of world class facilities.  Our new Head Office will provide a modern, efficient and attractive workplace for our people, in an ideal location.”

Nestlé announced a £110m investment in its Tutbury site, Derbyshire, on 24 November, trebling production of its Nescafé Dolce Gusto range.