Warden Construction has been selected to deliver Manchester Christmas Markets infrastructure for the next three years, extending our involvement in one of the UK’s largest festive markets through to 2028.

Manchester Christmas Markets have become one of the UK’s largest and most high-profile festive attractions, drawing millions of visitors to the city and adding millions of pounds to the economy.  The markets featured 274 stalls across ten city-centre locations in 2025.

We have supported the Christmas markets since 2023. Our selection builds on a well-established partnership with Manchester City Council and the wider markets team, contributing construction and health and safety expertise to inform the design and programme, alongside the flexibility to respond when requirements change.

Working with the council through the North West Construction Hub, our role covers planning, installation and dismantling of the markets’ infrastructure. In 2025, we committed more than 2,600 hours to site management and supervision alone.

The three-year selection remains subject to a separate direct award tender process for each year’s contract.

Ian Williams, managing director, said: “The Christmas Markets are an important part of Manchester’s calendar, and being selected for the next three years means a great deal to our team. Our people take pride in helping prepare the city for the traders and visitors who make the event what it is.

“We aim to be a true partner to our clients on every project, contributing our expertise from the outset and responding when plans need to change. That approach has underpinned our relationship with the market organisers, and we are pleased to build on the experience as we begin preparations for this year, and the ones that follow.”

Over £700m of public sector construction projects have now been procured through the latest frameworks of the North West Construction Hub (NWCH).

Two leisure projects for Fylde Council at St Annes and Kirkham, with a combined procurement value of £10.16m, took the total value procured through the current NWCH frameworks beyond £700m. The schemes are being delivered in partnership with Places Leisure.

Since 2023, projects procured through the frameworks have spanned local government, education, blue light services, leisure, regeneration and other community infrastructure.

NWCH is a not-for-profit public sector procurement organisation and is led by a board comprising representatives from public sector organisations across the North West, with Manchester City Council acting as the legal entity behind the organisation.

The Hub operates four construction frameworks, enabling public sector organisations to procure projects ranging from small works to major capital schemes worth more than £25m.These include its Small Works Framework for projects valued from £2,000 to £1m; Low Value Framework for schemes between £1m and £4m; Medium Value Framework covering projects from £3m to £8m; and High Value Framework for projects valued at £8m and above.

The High Value Framework is itself divided into projects worth £8m to £25m and major schemes valued at more than £25m.

One of the most high-profile projects procured through NWCH is Eden Project Morecambe, where VINCI Building was appointed through the High Value Framework in April 2026 to deliver the landmark development on Morecambe’s seafront.

Current and recently procured schemes include the £85m St Helens town centre regeneration programme with VINCI; the £41.8m Radcliffe Hub; Morgan Sindall’s £17.6m Acoustics Building at the University of Salford; and an £8m programme at Wilmslow High School being delivered by Conlon Construction.

Other projects include the £5.5m Heywood Civic Centre scheme, the £1.4m Radcliffe Enterprise Centre, a £900,000 project for National Museums Liverpool and a £1m Tawd Valley Housing scheme.

Established in 2009, NWCH was created to help public sector organisations procure construction projects efficiently while improving collaboration and the wider value generated from public investment.

Its frameworks have been developed by the public sector and provide organisations with access to contractors which have already undergone a rigorous procurement and evaluation process. NWCH says contractors can be appointed in as little as six weeks where project programmes require it.

Arina Cernysiova, NWCH Framework Lead, said: “Reaching the £700 million mark is an incredible milestone and a fantastic reflection of the continued confidence our clients place in our frameworks.

“NWCH is demonstrating what can be achieved through strong relationships and collaborative procurement, and we’re proud to see projects delivered through the Hub, supporting the continued regeneration of the North West.

“We also place a major emphasis on ensuring public investment creates wider social value, supporting local supply chains, employment and skills, sustainability and long-term benefits for communities.”

Jonathan Noad, Chief Officer Sustainable Growth at Lancaster City Council, said: “I have used NWCH for a number of years on a range of complex and smaller projects. One such recent project is Eden Project Morecambe.

“The NWCH team is always willing to add value to our projects by bringing in their own expertise and perspectives and introducing us to other comparable projects. The fact they are run as a public body and pride themselves on social value sets them apart from other framework providers.”

Warden Construction, which employs 97 people and is based in Lancashire and Warrington, is appointed to NWCH’s current Small Works, Low Value and Medium Value frameworks.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden Construction, said: “Passing £700m of projects procured through the current frameworks demonstrates the confidence public sector organisations across the North West continue to place in the Hub.

“As a framework partner, we regularly see the benefits the Hub provides to local authority and public sector clients. Its greatest strength is that it offers a trusted, compliant and low-risk procurement route, giving clients confidence that projects can progress efficiently while maintaining high standards of governance and accountability.

“Through its focus on social value, the Hub is also helping ensure public sector investment leaves a positive and lasting legacy in communities across the North West.”

Warden Construction has been chosen as a delivery partner for the restoration of the Grade II listed Lancaster Central Library, as the building undergoes extensive work to ensure residents can access its services for years to come.

Appointed by Lancashire County Council, we will deliver the £1 million re-roofing project, renewing slate and lead roofing and rooflight glazing, alongside masonry repairs, cleaning and the installation of bird netting. This work will address the deteriorating roof before its condition becomes a safety concern for the public.

The library is expected to reopen in spring 2027, with the work helping preserve the historic building and its continued role in Lancaster’s community life.

The project draws on our conservation expertise and experience managing complex refurbishment work in busy public settings; the team will use specialist techniques and materials to sympathetically restore and preserve the listed building’s historic features.

First opened to the public in 1932, the Lancaster Central Library remains an important part of everyday life in the city, recording more than 200,000 visits last year.

The refurbishment will help ensure the building can continue to serve the local community.

For Warden, delivering the project also means considering the neighbouring businesses affected by construction. As a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, we are working closely with local businesses to keep them informed and minimise disruption.

Additional signage will make clear that nearby businesses remain open throughout the works, while a noticeboard will keep residents and visitors updated on progress. Ian Williams, managing director, said: “As a business, we are driven by the goal to deliver projects that make our communities stronger. We are thrilled to be helping make the library fit for the future, ensuring residents and visitors can enjoy this important community asset for many years to come.”

To ensure continuity of service, Lancashire County Council has opened a temporary library at White Cross Business Park, while community groups are meeting at St Thomas’ Church.

We are pleased to welcome five new trade apprentices to the team while celebrating five existing team members who have completed their training and progressed into permanent roles with the business.

This annual intake of apprentices forms part of our continued investment in developing our own talent, creating career opportunities and building the skills needed to support the company’s future growth.

Isaac, Davey, Faye, Alfie and Finley have begun apprenticeships across a range of disciplines.

Isaac will support the quantity surveying and estimating team, while Davey has joined as an apprentice groundworker, Faye as an apprentice painter and decorator, Alfie as an apprentice bricklayer and Finley as an apprentice joiner.

Their arrival comes as five existing Warden apprentices finish their training and take the next step in their careers with the company.

George Gasser, Connor Holmes, Evan Panting, Charlie Montgomery and Laura Atkinson have all completed their apprenticeships and have progressed into permanent roles.

Ian Williams, managing director, said: “We’re immensely proud of our apprenticeship programme and the opportunities for our people that come with it. We are committed to upskilling our people and training the next generation; the strong talent pipeline coming through demonstrates the value of this sustained investment in our workforce.

“Our newest cohort are at the start of their careers but have already shown enormous potential. We’re looking forward to supporting their development, while building the skills we need to continue delivering high-quality projects efficiently and effectively.”

Peter Heskine, programme mentor and commercial manager, added: “One of the most rewarding things about our apprenticeship programme is seeing how people grow in confidence and ability from the day they join us.

“For five of our apprentices to complete their training, just as five new starters begin that same journey, is something we’re really proud of. It shows there is a genuine pathway here for people who want to learn, work hard and build a career in construction.

“Our new apprentices have an exciting few years ahead of them, and we’re looking forward to seeing the direction each of their careers takes.”

On Thursday 9 July, Warden hosted its very first charity quiz night, bringing together staff, friends and suppliers for an evening of entertainment, networking and fundraising.

Held at Weeton Village Hall, the event was held to raise money for HOBY UK, our nominated charity partner for 2026.

We chose to work with HOBY UK this year because of its commitment to creating long-term, meaningful social impact by helping young people develop the confidence, leadership skills and opportunities they need to reach their potential.

Sponsored by Smiths Equipment Hire and hosted by Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer finalist Max Fox, the quiz was attended by more than 60 guests.

Alongside the quiz, guests had the chance to win a range of prizes, including a television, spa and restaurant vouchers and a coffee machine, helping to raise over £200 for the charity.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come together to support such a worthwhile cause. The evening was a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues, clients, suppliers and friends while raising money for a charity that is making a real difference to young people’s lives.

“A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated prizes, sponsored the event and helped make our first quiz night such a success. We’re incredibly proud to support HOBY throughout 2026, and this is just the start of what we hope will be a fantastic year of fundraising.”

HOBY UK empowers young people through leadership programmes, helping them build confidence, develop essential life skills and create positive change in their communities.

Warden has completed work on two major schemes for Halton Borough Council which form part of the Reconnecting Runcorn regeneration programme.

Works included the transformation of the former Granville Library into a multi-purpose community facility named WELL Runcorn, and the conversion of part of the Camden Buildings into a new digital skills hub.

WELL (Wellbeing, Education and Lifelong Learning) Runcorn brings health, education and wellbeing services together in one location in the heart of Runcorn town centre. The hub can support up to 60 new further education students and enable around 500 additional healthcare assessments each year.

We were responsible for the delivery of a new mezzanine level for classrooms and learning space, consultation rooms, meeting and multi-purpose areas, a café for members of the public, and a staff kitchen.

The £2 million Camden Buildings project saw the creation of flexible learning spaces and workspaces for Halton Council and community organisation Power in Partnership, designed to support skills development and employment opportunities.

Works involved the strip-out and refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, while preserving its historic façade. Warden also delivered a new two-storey extension, winter garden-style lobby with breakout and event space, games area, learning kitchen, and rear garden.

As part of our commitment to social value, we worked with Halton Borough Council to support the Runcorn Community Foodbank, supplied art and unused construction materials for use within the Camden Buildings, and delivered 84 apprenticeship weeks.

Ian Williams, managing director, said: “These projects are a great example of the positive impact regeneration can have on a town and its people. We’ve transformed two important buildings into modern facilities that will support health, education, learning and enterprise, while preserving the heritage of Runcorn town centre.

“These were collaborative projects from start to finish, and the end results reflect the commitment of our team, client partners and supply chain. We’re especially pleased that the quality of the completed schemes have been recognised by stakeholders, and we hope the buildings will serve the community well for many years to come.”

The £23.6m Reconnecting Runcorn regeneration programme consists of eight individual projects that aim to improve the livelihoods of residents and boost the local economy.

As part of the programme, Warden is also currently completing refurbishment works on Halton Stadium – home of Rugby League side Widnes Vikings – which is due to complete later this year.

WELL Runcorn was developed by Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Halton Borough Council, Riverside College, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The professional team on the project included Cronshaw’s Electrical, WMB (Mechanical), Parkfield, Collective, Jenkinson’s, Glazing by Design and LY Joinery.

The professional team for the Camden Buildings included Bolton Steel, Triangle Joinery, B21, Collective Flooring, Wakefields Demolition, SML Painters, Glazing by Design, Truline Groundworks and Eurosafe.

Warden Construction has won the Delivering Value Award at the 2026 North West Regional Construction Awards for our impactful social value initiatives throughout the Gorton Public Realm project.

The 20^th annual North West Regional Construction Awards took place on July 2 at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool. Attended by over 400 professionals, the awards recognise the companies throughout the region that have embodied the principles of constructing excellence over the past year.

The prestigious Delivering Value award celebrates projects that maximise economic, social and environmental returns throughout their lifecycle.

Gorton Public Realm was a redevelopment project delivered on behalf of Manchester City Council that transformed vacant land in the town centre into a vibrant social space designed for markets, performances and events.

Community engagement and environmental considerations were built into every stage. Initiatives included early community consultations to help us shape the project, providing careers advice to local jobseekers through the Job Centre, and donating materials and equipment to the Men’s Sheds group.

Environmental and economic benefits prioritised low-emission transport and using locally sourced materials and labour wherever possible.

Our team also visited St James’ Primary School to engage with pupils through various activities, helping to challenge stereotypes in construction and promote future careers.

As well as the Delivering Value award, we were also shortlisted for Best Project of the Year for our work on Lea Primary School, and shortlisted for the SME of the Year category, for which we were ‘Highly Commended’ by the judges.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden Construction, said: “We couldn’t be happier that our work at Gorton was recognised at The North West Regional Construction Awards this year. Creating lasting social value is an essential part of how we deliver every project, and this recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and partners.

“The shortlist this year was particularly strong, which makes this achievement extra special. It’s fantastic to see so many organisations across the region demonstrating how construction can make a genuine difference beyond the buildings themselves. Huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees; let’s keep raising the bar.”

To learn more about the Gorton Public Realm improvement project, please visit: https://www.warden.co.uk/building-meaningful-community-connections-in-gorton/

For more information and to see the full list of winners, please visit: https://www.nwrca.co.uk

Photo credit: Carl Sukonik – www.thevain.co.uk

Warden has completed a major refurbishment project for Manchester City Council’s Family Time Service at Acorn House in Withington and Belthorne Children’s Centre.

The Family Time Service supports supervised contact for children, parents and carers involved in social care. Acorn House and Belthorne Children’s Centre serve as two of the locations for these sessions.

We delivered the £2.4m project through the North West Construction Hub Low Value Framework, upgrading the facilities across both sites to create a better experience for visitors and staff.

Each building now features up to ten new family rooms, office areas, kitchens, outside play areas and improved toilet and changing facilities.

Works across both sites included roof replacements, insulation upgrades, rewiring, heating improvements, new windows and doors, landscaping, and fencing works, as well as internal refurbishments throughout.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden, said: “Acorn and Belthorne is a really meaningful project for us at Warden because it shows the impact that well-designed community spaces can have on people’s lives.

“It was important to us, the Council, and Family Times that the finished spaces feel safe, welcoming and accessible. The improved facilities will support people through some incredibly important moments, while also future-proofing public assets that play a vital role in the community.

“It has been a complex refurbishment programme that involved phased delivery across live operational environments, but our team has stayed focused on delivering the best outcome for the people who use these spaces every day.”

Extensive structural strengthening works were required, alongside replacement flooring, drainage upgrades and the construction of new parking and external areas.

Acorn House also included accessibility improvements such as level access, along with the demolition of the garage block and wider external reconfiguration.

The phased programme, which began in May 2023, allowed services to continue with the Acorn House team temporarily relocating to Belthorne while works were carried out.

Jaime Cepeda, project lead at Manchester City Council, added: “Warden’s diligence and collaborative approach were key to the successful refurbishment of these vital community facilities.”

Warden Construction is proud to report a record year for turnover, staff numbers and social value delivery in our 2025 accounts.

Our financial results show revenue was up 15% on the previous year, moving from £26.7m in 2024 to £30.6m – the highest level in our company’s history – while gross profit was up 20% in 2025.

We also saw growth in our staff numbers with headcount for directly employed staff going to 85, another record number, while we increased our number of apprentices by 50% per cent.

Warden also delivered significant social value contributions, both through the delivery of our projects and wider responsible business activity. This included 464 volunteering and social value hours and £16,382.44 in charitable giving.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our whole team and also very thankful to our wider supply chain partners for helping us deliver a really solid performance in 2025 against an unpredictable and challenging economic backdrop.

“Our performance has been strong not just in financial terms, but also in the quality of our project delivery, investment in people development and the wider social value impact of our work.

“Throughout 2025 we delivered projects across multiple sectors including youth and community buildings, local markets, important healthcare facilities, education buildings, public decarbonisation and fire remediation projects.

“This has included work across many public sector funding streams, working successfully with local authorities to strengthen communities. Our achievements in 2025 are a clear reflection of our mission to ‘build something greater’ and put us on a firm footing for future growth.”

We hope to build on our strong performance in 2026 with investments made in the business over the last 12-months putting us in a position to overcome the challenges caused by current geopolitical uncertainty.

These investments have included the opening of an additional office in Birchwood to bring our team closer to projects and widen our potential talent pool, growth in team numbers, ongoing training programmes, and the expansion our low-emissions fleet. We also invested in its social value activity, bringing in Heather Thompson as a dedicated social value manager.

Dan Culshaw, financial director at Warden commented, said: “Our outlook at the start of 2026 was positive and we remain cautiously optimistic as the year progresses. Our pipeline remains strong and we’re confident our risk profiling and management approach will sustain short-term inflationary pressures, political uncertainty and international instability.

“We’re ready to go again and ensure our team is equipped with the skills and resources needed to meet the demands of an uncertain market. These strategic investments not only strengthen our operational capabilities but also position us to maintain our strong market position in 2026 and beyond, enabling us to deliver high-quality projects efficiently and effectively.”

Some of our projects in the last 12-months have included a new £4m endoscopy facility at Southport Hospital on behalf of Mersey and West Lancs Teaching Hospitals and a new health and education hub in Runcorn with North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust. We have also completed projects on behalf of Manchester Airports Group, Manchester City Council and Lancashire County Council among others.

Work is progressing on a refurbishment and conversion project in Huyton, Liverpool, that will provide high-quality supported living accommodation for vulnerable adults.

Appointed by property investment company Henley, Warden has now reached the midway point of the project, which is transforming a former two-storey care home at 6 Roby Road.

While preserving the existing structure, we are delivering 16 self-contained one-bedroom supported living apartments, with staff facilities and communal areas. External works include new open space and car parking for residents, staff and visitors.

Located in a highly accessible residential area, the site benefits from strong public transport links and is close to local shops and services.

The project responds directly to an identified local need for more supported living accommodation, which aligns closely with national planning policy and local ambition to increase widen the choice of housing options available in the area.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden, said: “Our scheme at Roby Road is a great example of how construction can support communities by giving an existing building a new purpose that will improve people’s day-to-day lives.

“Projects like this require care and attention, and we’re committed to making sure the finished development is a place where residents will feel secure and supported. We’re pleased to be working with Henley to strengthen supported living provision for the community in Huyton.”

Our team commenced work in October 2025, with the project scheduled for completion in August 2026.