Prime Minister Andy Burnham officially opened the government’s new “No 10 North” office in Manchester on Friday, describing the day as one of the proudest moments of his life. The office, located in Heron House, a government building in the city centre currently shared with GCHQ, marks a key part of Burnham’s vision to decentralise power from London and promote regional economic growth.

Burnham, who previously served as Greater Manchester Mayor, flew into Manchester from Glasgow, where he had attended the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, on a UK government aircraft. He addressed staff at the new base, saying the initiative symbolised “putting power in every postcode,” aiming to rebalance the country’s economic and political influence. “Not all places have felt that they are part of the national story, and that is what this government is going to work every single day to change,” he said.

The launch drew a mix of public interest, security presence, and ongoing civic activities. Heron House, which also houses the city’s register office—hosting multiple weddings during the launch day—and government offices, was heavily secured with armed police and surveillance measures. Locals and journalists gathered around Albert Square, where the building faces, creating an unusual scene for the city. Inside, the prime minister convened the first meeting of the revived National Economic Council, an emergency economic body originally established during the 2008 financial crisis, to focus on pressing economic issues facing the country today.

The new northern base is intended as a temporary facility until a permanent civil service “digital campus” is constructed on a five-acre former retail park acquired by the Manchester city council. Construction is planned to begin in the coming years, with the target opening date around 2032—three years after the next expected general election.

Burnham’s team indicated the office would be staffed initially by about 30 civil servants, with plans under way to encourage government personnel from London to relocate to Manchester, supported by relocation packages of up to £20,000. New digital roles related to government media and communications are also expected to be based there. However, the close proximity to GCHQ has reportedly caused some internal tensions due to increased attention and shared office space constraints.

The initiative has faced criticism and scepticism. Some opponents, including Reform party spokesperson Robert Jenrick, questioned the tangible impact of the new office, labelling it “a gimmick” without clear plans to address fundamental economic challenges. Concerns have also been raised about the potentially high costs involved in securing the site, running operations, and shuttling ministers between London and Manchester. No 10 officials maintained that existing Cabinet Office budgets cover the operation and that there are no additional costs to taxpayers.

Despite these debates, Burnham argued that No 10 North represents a symbolic and practical step toward levelling up the country by creating a northern counterpart to Downing Street. The prime minister intends to work from the Manchester office at least one day a week, often Fridays, while fostering closer ties with northern regional leaders. Invitations to the National Economic Council meeting included regional mayors from different political parties, who expressed willingness to cooperate beyond party lines to promote regional development.

As the office begins its operations, many in Manchester and government circles await further clarity on how this “nerve centre for growth” will function day-to-day and its longer-term influence on decentralisation and economic policy nationwide.