Virgin Media O2 Manchester HQ shortlisted for workplace design award

Virgin Media O2 Manchester HQ shortlisted for Workplace Fit-Out of the Year

SpaceInvader’s design for Virgin Media O2’s Manchester HQ at Island has been shortlisted for Workplace Fit-Out of the Year at the Insider Media North West Property Awards 2026.

The 50,000 sq ft Cat B workplace fit-out was shaped through a collaborative design process, with co-creation sessions involving colleagues relocating from Wythenshawe. This early engagement informed a space that feels intuitive, coherent and aligned with how people use it day to day.

Spanning five floors, the design balances functionality with identity, embedding a strong sense of Manchester through materiality and form rather than applied branding. The result is a workplace that reflects both the organisation and its location in a considered and authentic way.

Central to the scheme is a bleacher stair that encourages movement, connection and shared moments across teams. Alongside this, the “Ribbon of Oxygen” introduces a biophilic thread through the open plan environment, supporting wellbeing and visual continuity throughout the space.

Accessibility was a core principle from the outset, ensuring the workplace is inclusive and usable for all. This focus on people, alongside performance and experience, underpins the overall design approach.

The shortlist recognition highlights the importance of designing workplaces that prioritise both people and purpose, translating strategic thinking into spaces that are practical, engaging and built for long-term use.

We look forward to celebrating with the wider project team at Manchester Central on 14 May.

Explore how our workplace design approach supports people, performance and long-term value across our projects here.