Chester is now well and truly the official home of the Virgin Money credit card after moving into a high-spec new office in the city centre.

More than 60 staff who manage the credit card operation have moved into Gorse Stacks House, George Street, next to the block housing the Fountains medical centre.

The Virgin credit card used to be managed and serviced by Chester-based MBNA but the company decided to launch its own credit card business in 2015 when it moved into financial services after taking over Northern Rock building society.

The front counter at the Virgin Money credit card base in Gorse Stacks House, in George Street, Chester

The company bought £1bn credit card assets from MBNA and initially hired office space in nearby Regus House on Chester Business Park.

Virgin Money chose Chester for its new operation because of the existing skills base in financial services. The relocation into new city centre premises, with room for expansion, shows its commitment to the city.

Michele Greene, Virgin Money’s director of credit cards, said: “Chester is a very important location now for Virgin Money and we expect to continue to grow here as we build our business for the future.

“Our new office, located right here in the heart of Chester, gives us the perfect base to do that and the team are delighted to have moved in to this brilliant new office space.”

A relaxing break-out area for staff at the Virgin Money credit card base in Gorse Stacks House, Chester

Virgin Money is pleased with its new two-storey premises including ‘a striking central staircase’, feature lighting and unique styling.

The company aims to create attractive and comfortable surroundings for all who work there. And away from the modern workspace where the day job is done, staff can enjoy relaxing break-out areas and meeting rooms decorated with artwork drawn from the rich heritage of the Virgin Group, including iconic bands from the Virgin Records label.

Virgin Money meeting rooms are decorated with artwork drawn from the rich heritage of the Virgin Group, including iconic bands from the Virgin Records label.

The office was designed by London architects Spacelab who have worked with Virgin Money on their award-winning customer Lounges.

Virgin says its credit card has ‘experienced strong growth’ since launch and the team has established a reputation for shaking up the market over the past 12 months, including their launch of the bold Sex Pistols inspired ‘Never Mind the B*****Ks’ card design.

Also based in Gorse Stacks House are Hillyer McKeown Solicitors who relocated from the former Murlain Business Centre in Union Street.

The 'striking' central staircase at Virgin Money's new office in Chester