LONDON >> Wall Street bank Citigroup’s bill for refitting its tower in London has risen to $1.5 billion (1.1 billion pounds), the company told Reuters, highlighting the challenges of modernising workplaces to attract employees back to offices.

The cost, confirmed by Citi for the first time, is approaching the 1.2 billion pounds ($1.63 billion) the U.S. bank paid to acquire the building in 2019.

The budget was increased after Citi expanded its workforce and decided to upgrade additional space, a company executive told Reuters, without disclosing the original budget.

Citi said the investment demonstrates the company’s commitment to Britain, where it employs 14,000 people, including 10,000 in London.

Citi CEO Jane Fraser will visit Britain this week to coincide with U.S. President Donald

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