Construction is underway on a new government building in Manchester's Ancoats district, intended to house nearly 9,000 civil servants and become a 'Number 10 North'. The plan, announced by presumed Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham, would move some government functions 200 miles from London to the Manchester Digital Campus opposite New Islington Marina.
Local Reactions: A Mixed Response
Residents and workers in Ancoats and New Islington have expressed a range of opinions, from outright opposition to cautious support. Rue Aza-Vieria, a 27-year-old IT worker who grew up in East Manchester, described the plan as 'gross'. 'It's just going to ruin the vista for Ancoats marina. It's not what we want,' she said. 'This is a place where people can enjoy themselves and relax.'
Denzel, a 24-year-old artist from Rome who has lived in Manchester for five years, criticised the loss of a community-made skatepark on the site. 'It just don't feel right,' he said. 'We're all for progress, but it needs to serve the locals who live here.' He also worried about rising rents and an influx of southerners pushing locals out.
Support and Concerns Over Gentrification
Krislynn Antal, a 21-year-old biomed graduate, supported the idea but noted the area already has many southerners. 'It's pretty cool, and it will put more focus on the North and bring jobs here,' she said. However, she suggested a more central location near universities might be better.
Ralph Kennedy, 50, who works at an arts company on Blossom Street, acknowledged the benefits but feared rent increases would force his business out. 'That'll be the end of this place for us. No way we can afford the rent increase,' he said.
A Positive Voice: Retired Developer Welcomes Change
Steve Porter, a 70-year-old retired property developer living in a penthouse overlooking the marina, was unambiguously positive. 'It's a good idea, because the north-south divide has been there for decades,' he said. 'Manchester is the fastest growing city, it's time we had more political weight.'
The government building was confirmed in March 2026, with work beginning in June. The former retail park site is expected to house civil servants from multiple departments once completed in a few years. The announcement has sparked debate about the area's character and future, as Ancoats has transformed from post-industrial decline to a hub of upscale living and entertainment.
