Hundreds of employees of the world’s biggest internet retailer will be based at the site, including software development engineers and graphic designers.

They will create interactive digital services for TVs, games consoles, smartphones and computers.

Amazon intends to employ more staff in the future.

Amazon spokeswoman Paula Byrne said: “London is a hotbed of tech talent and testament to that fact is Amazon choosing the capital as the location for the new global digital media development centre.

“Innovation is part of the Amazon DNA and we are creating a British centre of excellence to design and develop the next generation of TV and film services for a wide range of digital devices.”

London Mayor Boris Johnson commented: “I am thrilled to welcome Amazon’s fantastic new international digital centre to London.

“For this wildly successful and dynamic company to choose our city to site such an important facility is a splendid feather in our cap.

“We know we have the talent, the space and infrastructure to make the most of the digital economy – this will be my prime message during Games-time, as I seek to woo even more companies for the capital, delivering jobs and growth for Londoners.

“Amazon’s investment propels us well up the league table of global tech cities and we thank them for their vote of confidence.”