Number 10 North opened in Manchester five weeks ago, but its significance only recently became clear. Despite initial scepticism, spending a day outside the Albert Square office revealed a profound impact on the city and its residents.
A sceptic's realisation
Having been on holiday when Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, the author missed the initial buzz. Returning to work after the opening, the scale of change was not immediately apparent. The idea of an extra office in a city already home to thousands of civil servants seemed marginal.
However, within 15 minutes of sitting outside Heron House, the building's effect was evident. People of all ages stopped, remarked on it, and posed for photos. Police officers guarding the site spent time chatting with curious passers-by, while children asked what the building was and what happens inside.
Symbolism over statistics
London's dominance is stark. A 2025 Institute for Fiscal Studies study found that by age 32, 26 per cent of the highest GCSE achievers live in London, with 14 per cent just outside. Eurostat and ONS data show London is Europe's second-largest city-region economy, behind Paris, while no other UK region features in the top 20.
Greater Manchester has the UK's fastest growing economy, but its £110bn GDP in 2023 lagged far behind London's £618 billion. The rebalancing of the UK remains a huge task.
Inspiring the next generation
The most heart-warming moment came when a dad walked past with his three young children. His youngest daughter, no more than five, asked: "What's that?" Her dad replied: "It's where the Prime Minister works."
If the PM can work in Manchester and return to his family home, then anyone can. Heron House may be visually unremarkable compared to Downing Street, but its presence tells Greater Manchester's young minds that major decisions are made in their city. Whether No 10 North or Mr Burnham's premiership proves a success remains to be seen, but having such a symbol of power in the city can only be a positive, potentially inspiring generations to come.
