The Manchester-based global digital media company, is expanding its innovative Ancoats headquarters following a record year of growth.
The latest office expansion follows an initial £750,000 investment in the fit-out of Urban Splash-owned Waulk Mill in 2020. The work will provide an additional 620 sq. ft of space with an extra 25 seats. Overlooking New Islington Marina and just seconds away from the buzzing Cutting Room Square, the modern-industrial office offers KOMI employees distinct spaces for focused work, collaboration, and for fostering social connection.
Designed by Studio R2A – the designers behind several of Manchester and Liverpool’s most creative hospitality venues and offices – including Madre, Medlock Canteen, L’Aperitivo and Mowgli – KOMI’s office replicates the feel of a city centre flat, challenging expectations of a modern office.
Studio R2A has already combined creativity and the innovative use of high-quality materials for the bespoke design of KOMI’s office, which it will continue throughout the expansion. The office is designed to bring people together, centred around a longevity-focused design rather than being trend-led.
The concept for the refurbished mill is to reimagine an office as an inspiring hub which rivals working from home. Already designed with creativity and teamwork in mind, these foundations will continue into the extension of the office. The office has an open plan and fully-fitted kitchen area – with high tables for collaborative working, as well as a laid-back “living room”, which is kitted out with a large sofa and TV screen. On the upper floor are desks and quiet booths for employees, catering to those that prefer more quiet working.
The expansion comes amid a record year of growth for KOMI. The business has welcomed 12 new starters, taking total headcount to over 120 and marking a 76 per cent increase since 2023. Its 2025 H1 results reported revenue of £7.4m, up 94 per cent from the same period ending June 2024. KOMI’s scalability has been the result of focused platform diversification – heavily investing in YouTube – and the acquisition of five media brands over the past three years.
Sam Lenehan, CEO of KOMI Group, commented, “We take partnership seriously at KOMI, and Urban Splash is more than a landlord to us – they’ve been a true collaborator in bringing our vision to life. Together with Studio R2A, our office is a space we are beyond proud of and has been the result of genuine partnership.
“We know the importance of in-person collaboration, and our office has become a magnet for it. We’ve embraced flexible working, and a key part of this is creating an environment which our workforce wants to spend time in. We encourage people to treat our HQ as an extension of their home, and everyone who visits comments on its buzz. This latest expansion is an essential investment in our future, ensuring our team has the perfect environment to continue creating amazing things, together.”
