Key facts
- Andy Burnham's planned 'No 10 North' government base is reportedly set for Ancoats, on the outskirts of Manchester.
- The site is being built on brownfield land and is expected to house around 8,800 civil servants.
- The Manchester Digital Campus is aiming to be fully operational by 2032.
- Burnham's team is looking for an interim office in Manchester.
- Caroline Simpson has been appointed to lead Burnham's northern operations.
A civil service base under construction in Manchester has been earmarked for Andy Burnham's 'No 10 North', according to reports. The northern centre of government is planned for Ancoats, on the outskirts of Manchester city centre, with the site not expected to be completed before 2028. Burnham, widely anticipated to succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister, has pledged to shift part of his operation north and split his time between London and Greater Manchester.
The business case for the Manchester Digital Campus in Ancoats was approved by the Treasury in March. It is being built on brownfield land and will consolidate approximately 8,800 individuals from various government departments, with a focus on digital work. The campus aims for full operational status by 2032, offering around 900,000 sq ft of workspace across two buildings.
Burnham's team is reportedly seeking an interim office in Manchester. As Manchester mayor, Burnham was previously based in the Tootal Buildings on Oxford Street. The city council's town hall is undergoing a significant renovation project, estimated to cost over £500 million and scheduled for completion by spring 2027.
Caroline Simpson, chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, has been appointed by Burnham to lead his operations in the north. Burnham's plan to devolve parts of Westminster to the north has received support from politicians and business leaders. Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, stated the move will help ensure the relocation of civil servants to areas like Darlington, York, and Manchester achieves its full potential, enhancing decision-making and bringing government closer to communities. Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, believes Burnham's proposals for increased power to regional mayors will aid in lowering the cost of living and fostering growth. Huw Merriman, chair of the Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board, highlighted the reinstatement of the HS2 rail link to London as a key benefit of Burnham's plan.