Office workers and builders in Manchester city centre barely glance at the unassuming building, but four burly police officers outside Heron House give it away: this is now, at least temporarily, the heart of Government.
New Headquarters in Albert Square
The site of the new No10 North, opened by Andy Burnham last week, sits tucked between a Slug & Lettuce and a JW Lees pub. Couples are still getting married in the building, which also contains a register office. A groom joking outside said: 'I feel like Andy Burnham.'
Some passers-by seem surprised by the lack of heavy security, a far cry from Downing Street with its metal gates. Liv, who did not provide her last name, said she hadn't realised the building was so important. 'I'm excited it's here,' she said. 'It's about time we have representation in the north.' She added that she has always liked Andy Burnham and that he has done a great job as mayor.
A Temporary Home
Heron House is a 1980s office block built on the site of an old warehouse opposite Manchester Town Hall. It is only the temporary home of No10 North – a site in nearby Ancoats has been earmarked for new custom-built premises.
Academic Michaela Rogers, 53, said it's 'about time' the north got a seat at the top table. She described the north as the 'poor cousin' and praised Burnham's genuine commitment to alleviating poverty.
Apprentice stonemason Aren Pym, 23, warned that while rhetoric about the north not getting what it should is common, the lack of local industry makes investment unsustainable.
Regional Benefits and Pub Snacks
Gwenan Toplis, a nurse from north Wales, believes the new site will benefit 'every region of the country' and gives the working class a chance to be heard. She said bringing regional leaders together can only be a good thing, but the use of devolved power remains key.
The author dressed up to explore the area, noting that nobody had a bad word about Burnham. The local pubs, including the Town Hall Tavern in Tib Lane, offer a fine selection of crisps, scampi fries, bacon fries and peanuts – perfect for the pint-loving new PM.
