Published on:

17 June 2026

Updated on:

17 June 2026

Read time:

Julie Hattersley

Design Director

OP has completed a comprehensive refurbishment project for ophthalmic equipment specialist Mainline Instruments at their Birmingham headquarters, Cyclo Works, Lifford Lane, Kings Norton.

The 12-week project delivered the full interior refurbishment of 7,500 sq ft across a newly constructed extension and the existing premises, with the two buildings connected via linking corridors. Mainline Instruments had grown significantly but their existing premises no longer reflected the company's success or ambitions.

Expanding on-site rather than relocating allowed them to build on the foundations already in place, and the brief was clear: create a showroom that set them apart, deliver a client experience fit for international audiences, and meaningfully improve the day-to-day working environment for a long-standing team.

The ground floor is where the project's ambition is most fully realised. A new glazed frontage transforms the building's street presence entirely, giving Mainline Instruments large-scale statement signage for the first time. Inside, the space functions simultaneously as reception, client lounge, bespoke show suite and conference area,  all feeling cohesive and unmistakably premium.

All joinery was designed and built specifically to showcase the client's AV systems and specialist equipment, with every detail drawn around how Mainline Instruments actually work and what they wanted clients to experience.

The refurbishment of the team's working environment was given equal priority to the client-facing spaces. The open-plan office is bright and airy, with a generous breakout space providing a social heart for the team. Private offices have been created for senior members of the business, finished with considered detailing throughout. The existing kitchen was retained and opened up to become part of the wider breakout space, reused and enhanced rather than replaced. A new staircase and lift, both entirely new to the building, connect the ground floor and upper level.

By expanding the existing building rather than pursuing a full relocation, Mainline Instruments avoided unnecessary disruption and waste, making purposeful use of a site already tailored to their operational needs.

This was a chance to show what considered design can do in a setting most people wouldn't think of in those terms. We built every decision around the way Mainline Instruments work and the experience they wanted their clients to have. The result is as bespoke as it is, because the team backed the vision and stayed close to us throughout.

Julie Hattersley, Design Director

Our ambition was a space that lived up to who we are as a business, the technology we deliver, the long-term relationships we hold with our clients, and the team we've built around it. OP have achieved that and more. The feedback from clients and staff has been outstanding, and we couldn't be more delighted with the result.

Simon Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer at Mainline Instruments

Subscribe to our newsletter

Be the first to hear the latest workplace insights, industry trends and OP news.

Subscribe

Meet the Author

Having worked in the Design and Build industry for almost two decades, Julie has built an illustrious portfolio that reflects talent, creativity and an effortless ability to create inspiring workplaces. Taking pride in her involvement through every step of the design process, Julie is inspired by her clients and relishes dissecting a brief to get to the essence of what will provide the end users with the best experience and improve their working days.