Vitality, the health and life insurance provider, has officially opened a new office at Stockport Exchange, bringing roughly 1,000 employees into the town centre and significantly increasing activity around the station.
What the move means for Stockport
The new premises at 3 Stockport Exchange occupy about 45,000 sq ft across four floors and include communal amenities such as a sunken garden canteen and viaduct-inspired booths. The arrival of Vitality doubles the number of workers at the office complex from around 1,000 to over 2,000, and developers and council leaders say it will boost footfall for nearby shops, cafés and leisure venues.
Stockport Exchange was developed by Muse with support from Stockport Council. The deal for Vitality’s new headquarters is the largest office transaction recorded in South Manchester since 2019, underlining the growing appeal of Stockport for businesses seeking modern workspace outside central Manchester.
Company and council comments
"We wanted to invest in a workplace that supports our future growth, helps us attract and retain great talent, and create the best possible environment for our people,"
Luke McClaran, Vitality’s chief people officer, said the move reflected the company’s long-term commitment to Stockport and the North West and emphasised a focus on employee wellbeing as part of its strategy.
"The opening of Vitality's new office marks a major milestone for our growing business district,"
Stockport Council welcomed the arrival, saying the new occupier would add "further vibrancy" to the area and support the local economy.
Practical details and local context
- Employer: Vitality (health and life insurance provider)
- Location: 3 Stockport Exchange, adjacent to Stockport railway station
- Space: Approximately 45,000 sq ft across four floors
- Workforce impact: Around 1,000 staff relocating to the site, doubling total employees at Stockport Exchange to over 2,000
- Other occupiers: Stagecoach, MusicMagpie, BASF, Indurent and ONP Solicitors
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Office size | 45,000 sq ft |
| Number of floors | 4 |
| Employees moving in | Approx. 1,000 |
| Total staff at Stockport Exchange (after move) | Over 2,000 |
Vitality already operates in other UK locations, including London and Bournemouth, and serves around two million customers nationally. Its decision to consolidate a substantial workforce in Stockport signals confidence in the town’s transport links and office offer — a message likely to encourage other firms assessing growth locations outside the city centre.
For local businesses, the immediate effect should be felt on weekdays, with more staff visiting cafés, restaurants and shops close to the exchange and at the railway station. Longer term, the deal forms part of a wider strategy by the council and developers to create office-led growth and draw more employers into Stockport’s town centre.
As the town adapts to this influx of workers, residents may notice changes in peak-time travel and increased demand for local services. The council and developers will monitor how the additional footfall translates into sustained economic benefits for the surrounding area.
Information about public transport links to Stockport Exchange and parking arrangements is available on Stockport Council and the developer Muse’s websites for anyone planning visits or interviews with Vitality staff in the coming weeks.
