'I hope it doesn't put costs up': what Manchester really thinks about Number 10 North
Residents are excited but worried about rents and traffic chaos, businesses see opportunity, and one student asks whether the concept will even work without "that civil service machine helping you."
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Andy Burnham ended his first week as prime minister by holding a meeting at his new Manchester base. But what do the people who actually live here make of Number 10 North?
The BBC spoke to residents, business leaders and think tanks. The mood was broadly positive, but concerns about affordability and whether the concept will work in practice kept surfacing.
What do residents think?
Rebecca Miles, 67, from Wigan, said: "I think we have needed a voice for a long time and we haven't had one, it is very London-centric. So I think it can only be a good thing. It took a Northern PM to suggest this."
Amira, 24, who moved to the city centre two years ago, said it was "a big surprise" but welcomed it. "It makes me feel happy as a Manchester resident. I think it will be a benefit to the North."
But she added: "I hope it doesn't put costs up as Manchester is already getting more expensive in general. But if more people come here, the cafe I work at could get busier and I could get more hours."
Antonio Climaco, 46, who owns a flat a minute's walk from Albert Square, raised concerns about traffic: "When events happen nearby it is
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Number 10 North?
- Number 10 North is a new northern branch of the Prime Minister's headquarters, established by PM Andy Burnham to decentralise political power and rebalance decision-making away from London.
- Where will Number 10 North be located in Manchester?
- It is temporarily based at Heron House in Albert Square. A permanent facility is planned for the Manchester Digital Campus in Ancoats, which is expected to be operational by 2032.
- How will Number 10 North affect Manchester?
- Experts and locals believe it could boost the local economy, bring businesses closer to government, and improve amenities. However, there are concerns it may drive up property prices and increase traffic.