The former Toys 'R' Us site in Ancoats, Manchester, has been earmarked for the new 'No 10 North' government hub proposed by prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham. The site, once known for its troubled reputation, will become the Manchester Digital Campus, housing 8,800 civil servants and creating an estimated 4,900 jobs during construction.
Background and Development
The future of the Central Retail Park site had been fiercely debated since Manchester council purchased it in 2017 and demolished it two years later. In March 2026, Chancellor Rachel Reeves approved the Manchester Digital Campus, dubbed the 'Whitehall of the North'. The development is not due for completion until 2032, with Burnham's team reportedly seeking interim office space in central Manchester, such as Heron House, currently occupied by GCHQ.
Civil Service Relocation
The government plans to move civil service jobs out of London, closing 11 Whitehall office buildings over four years to save £94 million annually. The Ancoats campus will focus on digital work across various government departments.
Local and Political Reaction
Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, welcomed the idea, stating: 'No 10 North must be up and running in the early days of Andy Burnham’s new government. Unlocking growth right across the country will require drawing on the talent and experience of those who negotiated Greater Manchester’s devolution settlement.'
However, logistical challenges remain. A Greater Manchester police spokesperson said: 'We’re aware of evolving proposals to create a No 10 in the North and we will work with necessary departments to create necessary security arrangements as plans evolve.'
Timeline
Nominations for the Labour leadership close on July 16. If Burnham is the only candidate, he will be formally declared Labour leader on July 17 and become Prime Minister on July 20.
