Wates lands £108.5m HMP Manchester upgrade contract
- constructnetuk
- Apr 22
- 1 min read
Ministry of Justice has awarded a £108.47m design and build contract for major refurbishment and security works at HMP Manchester.
The contract has been awarded to Wates Construction and will run from March 2026 through to January 2032.
Located in Manchester city centre, the scheme covers a wide programme of works at the high-security custodial facility.
🔐 Scope of works
The project includes a series of critical refurbishment and security-related capital works following the insolvency of the previous main contractor.
The scope includes:
replacement of custody windows
repairs to atrium glazing
restoration works to the Grade II listed tower
installation of security netting
security systems upgrades
This is a long-term, high-value public sector contract with a strong emphasis on security, compliance and specialist refurbishment.
📊 Procurement route
The contract was awarded via a mini competition under the Crown Commercial Service
Construction Works and Associated Services 2 (CWAS2) Framework, Lot 5.
The award highlights continued activity across justice, custodial and public estate infrastructure projects.
🧠 What this means
A scheme of this scale is likely to create opportunities across:
specialist security systems
glazing and façade remediation
heritage / listed building restoration
M&E upgrades
subcontract packages and supply chain support
Public sector prison and justice estate upgrades remain a significant pipeline area for major contractors and specialist supply chain partners.
