Warden has completed work on the installation of the annual Manchester Christmas Markets, setting the stage for the festive season across the city.

With this year’s markets completed on schedule, visitors can look forward to exploring an array of stalls, enjoying festive activities, and seasonal treats.

We completed the installation for the second consecutive year on behalf of Manchester City Council and North West Construction Hub.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden Construction, said: “We’re delighted to have been involved with the setup for Manchester’s iconic Christmas Markets for the second year running.

“Our team worked hard to ensure that each site across the city was prepared safely and efficiently, so visitors can enjoy the festive experience without a hitch. It’s a privilege to be part of such a beloved event in Manchester.”

The Warden team successfully oversaw the erection of all market stalls and features, including the installation and removal of Heras fencing to ensure a smooth setup process for structures and the delivery of materials.

Traffic management measures were implemented to support safe delivery routes, minimising disruptions in the city centre and carried out in coordination with the council to allow seamless operations alongside other seasonal activity.

The professional team for the installation included WMB Installations (electricians), Arena Group (fencing), and Go Traffic Management (traffic management).

The markets opened on Friday 8 November and will remain a central attraction until 22 December.

Warden has started building work to convert part of the Camden Buildings, in High Street, into a new learning and workspace on behalf of Halton Borough Council and community learning organisation Power in Partnership.

The project involves refurbishing No.59 High Street by replacing the building’s existing timber structure with a new steel structure, enabling the creation of a three-storey ‘winter garden’ style space that will act as a lobby, break-out area, and small events space.

A second part of the project involves the creation of a new-build, two-storey extension on the site of the adjacent former post office at No.57. This space will be linked to No.59 and provide an internet café, games area, learning kitchen and access to a rear garden, with a first-floor space for group activities.

The £2m project is part of Runcorn’s wider £23.6m Town Deal, which is delivering eight town centre regeneration projects overall.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden Construction, said: “This is a project that’s delivering so many benefits for Runcorn – supporting skills development for local people, regenerating the town centre, and also enabling heritage buildings to be preserved for future generations.

“The architects and the design team have done a fantastic job coming up with a solution that enables the building and its historic façade to be retained, while creating inspiring new spaces for people to learn, grow, and work towards securing further training and employment opportunities.”

The project at 57-59 High Street is expected to be complete in Autumn 2025. The project team includes K2 as architects, Arcadis as client’s agent and AKS Ward as structural engineers.

Jack Manners, project architect at K2 Architects, said: “We’re thrilled to contribute to the transformation of the Camden Buildings. This development will bring together Runcorn’s digital and skills initiatives and create a collaborative space for community-driven businesses to thrive.”

Future work at the Camden Buildings will also see 63-65 High Street restored as a space for digital skills training and performing arts. A Georgian-era building at 71 High Street has already been restored by Warden Construction as a studio and exhibition space for artists.

Warden has completed work on two refurbishment projects in the education sector on behalf of Manchester City Council.

The first project has seen a complete re-roofing of a Sure Start children’s centre in Rusholme, including internal remedial works.

The rapidly deteriorating concrete tiled roof has been fully replaced with modern metal tiles, helping provide long-term protection for the building, as well as a better look, enhanced security and cost savings.

A separate project has delivered a new school entrance atrium for Chapel Street Community Primary School in Levenshulme. The project included the demolition of an existing atrium and its replacement with a modern brick and aluminium building, including new foundations.

James Flitcroft, operations manager at Warden, said: “We’re proud to be supporting Manchester City Council on the continuous refurbishment and renewal of its built assets. Both these projects have future-proofed important education buildings that are helping to provide bright futures for young people and families.

“The Sure Start centre is Rusholme had been hampered by persistent water ingress issues with the building’s original roof due to its age and condition, disrupting activities at the centre. The new roof we have put in place with JBR, our roofing subcontractor on the project, will protect the building for decades to come.

“Meanwhile, our project at Chapel Street has provided a more vibrant, secure and efficient school entrance that will improve the school environment for pupils, parents and teachers. We’re pleased to have completed these projects while both buildings were fully occupied and remained in use, ensuring minimal disruption for our clients.”

The Rusholme Sure Start centre is one of six roof replacement projects that we have completed on behalf of Manchester City Council.

Working with JBR, the project centre saw titanium grey Brit met Slate 2000 tiles replacing the original concrete tiles. The product comes with a 50-year warranty, which means the centre’s roof is protected for decades to come. The longevity and reduced maintenance needs will provide long-term cost savings for the client.

Construction work is well under way on a £1.7m expansion of a youth centre in Blackpool that will provide new opportunities for young people in the area.

Warden is the main contractor on the state-of-the-art centre which will be built on Gorton Street in the Talbot and Brunswick area of the town.

The existing outdated facility has been demolished and is being replaced with a single storey, multi-use building roughly three times the size, that will include an activity hall, canteen, office space, kitchen and washroom facilities.

The expansion will allow for more youth work activities and opportunities for young people, providing a safe and supportive space to learn and develop their talents.

The scheme, expected to complete in February 2025, is being funded from a grant from the government’s Youth Investment Fund, which was secured by the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club and Blackpool Council.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden Construction, said: “The expansion of Blackpool Youth Zone is a fantastic project for Warden to be involved in, and one that very much aligns with our core values around community impact.

“Working closely with Blackpool Council and Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, we hope to see the new and improved facilities flourish and provide a host of opportunities and benefits to young people in the community.”

Cllr Kath Benson, Cabinet Member for Young People and Aspiration, said: “This development is much-needed and what our young residents deserve. I’m delighted with the progress that has already been made and look forward to seeing it in use early next year.

“Blackpool Boys and Girls Club have ensured that young people have been at the heart of the development plans so that it delivers what they want and need. It will provide them with a safe and supportive space to learn, grow, and develop their talents.”

Jed Sullivan, Youth Worker at Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, said: “Our staff, volunteers, trustees, Chairman, and, most importantly, the young people we serve are brimming with excitement as they watch this incredible new youth centre grow before our eyes.

“The support from Blackpool Council and the Youth Opportunity Fund has been instrumental in making this dream a reality. We can’t wait to open the doors and make this space our own, providing countless opportunities for Blackpool’s youth to learn, grow, and thrive.”

The facilities will also support local efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour, which has seen a 42% reduction since Summer 2023, following a collaboration with Lancashire Police as part of Operation Centurion in the Brunswick and Talbot wards.