Plans are underway to establish a new government office known as No 10 North in Manchester, marking a significant shift in the geographic distribution of British government functions. The proposed site is located in Ancoats, a rapidly developing area on the northern edge of Manchester city centre. The location, once home to a retail park featuring outlets such as Toys R Us, Argos, and JD Sports, is now being redeveloped into the Manchester Digital Campus.

This project aims to relocate approximately 8,800 civil servants from various government departments to the new campus. While the initiative is still in its early stages, officials anticipate that the development of any No 10 North buildings could proceed without incurring substantial additional costs beyond those already approved by the Treasury.

Historically, Ancoats was known for its role in Manchester’s textile industry and later for the nightclub Sankeys. It has since transformed into a vibrant neighborhood with numerous restaurants, bars, and a serviced marina. The influx of government staff and offices is expected to further drive up commercial rents in the area. However, the full completion of the development is not projected until 2032. Meanwhile, officials are reportedly exploring alternative office locations in Manchester, including Heron House — a building owned by Manchester City Council and currently occupied by GCHQ, which has no immediate plans to vacate.

Andy Burnham, recently elected as the Member of Parliament for Makerfield, has pledged that if elected prime minister, he would divide his working time between Manchester and London. This approach reflects broader ambitions to decentralize government functions, which supporters argue could help address the long-standing economic disparity between London and other major UK cities.

Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, welcomed the initiative, stating that it could help bridge the economic divide that has persisted due to the concentration of political and governmental activities in London. Murison noted that practical arrangements exist for ministers to work outside Whitehall without compromising parliamentary responsibilities, and that Manchester already possesses suitable office spaces that could serve as an immediate base for No 10 North.

Nonetheless, the plan faces questions related to its operational feasibility. Dai Davies, a former head of royal protection and Metropolitan Police commander, referred to the proposed Manchester office as "No 10A," implying potential challenges in coordinating a government split across two major cities. The logistical complexities of maintaining seamless government operations between London and Manchester remain a subject of debate as the project progresses.