Broadband and mobile operator Virgin Media and O2 (VMO2) has announced that around 1,500 employees are set to move to their new North West HQ in late 2025, which is to be based out of the Island building – a net zero carbon workspace on John Dalton Street in central Manchester.
The building is a £66m joint venture between Henry Boot Developments (HBD) and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) and 45,700 sq ft of office space has been pre-let to Virgin Media O2 across the top five floors on a 10-year lease, which represents c.50% of the office space in the building.
Virgin Media O2 will relocate several regional sites into a single city centre location, creating a northern hub that will host, among other teams, the company’s customer service agents who provide specialist support on a range of customer issues.
Patricia Cobian, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Financial Officer, said the “significant investment” demonstrates their commitment to retaining a sizeable presence in Manchester, with a flagship new office.
Patricia Cobain said “The state-of-the art office will provide a vibrant space for our employees in the North West to get together in person and collaborate, meeting our needs now and helping to attract future talent. Improving our people’s experience was a key focus in the selection process, and Island offers our employees a wide range of amenities and facilities that are not currently available to them.
“With enviable environmental credentials and excellent transport links, this move will help reduce our carbon emissions and make it easier than ever for our employees to choose more environmentally-friendly modes of transport.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and member of the GM Business Board said: “It’s very positive to see Virgin Media O2 bring their new North West HQ to Manchester in a state-of-the-art facility with net-zero carbon workspaces that enhance our carbon neutral plans. This multi-million-pound investment will bring a significant boost to the city-region and highlights Greater Manchester as a place where companies want to invest.”
Tim Roberts, CEO at Henry Boot, commented: “Our joint venture with GMPF has enabled the delivery of a truly outstanding office space in Manchester. This landmark pre-let is testament to HBD’s expertise in delivering sustainable commercial office spaces that exceed occupiers’ expectations and support them in attracting and retaining the best talent.
“Island’s unrivalled sustainability credentials make it an attractive site for a diverse range of occupiers and we look forward to welcoming more tenants into Manchester’s best-in-class office space to support their business and ESG ambitions for many years to come.”
Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director at HBD, said: “Virgin Media O2’s decision to invest in Island and call this remarkable building its new home in Manchester is testament to the exceptional space we have created here. Island has been carefully designed around the needs of the occupier. Not only is it a highly intelligent and sustainable building, but it’s one which prioritises people’s health and well-being. Virgin Media O2’s values are perfectly aligned with ours and we’re proud to welcome them to Island.”
Ed Hutchinson continued: “There is strong interest in the remaining space that is available at Island, with plenty of options to join Virgin Media O2 across the remaining four floors. “
