April 2026 presented a mixed picture for the UK construction industry. While planning approvals remained resilient at £10.7bn, maintaining the strong momentum seen throughout Q1, contract awards dropped sharply by 21% to £5.7bn – the lowest monthly total recorded since May 2025.
This stark difference suggests that confidence at the planning stage remains intact, but delivery decisions are becoming more cautious as developers and investors reassess market conditions.
This data is taken from our Construction Industry Monthly Snapshot, a report that provides a detailed overview of contract awards, planning approvals, and planning applications across every major construction sector each month.
Below we’ve listed three leading contract awards, highlighting the schemes that are now moving forward towards delivery.
Leading Contract Awards in the UK April 2026
Enderby Logistics Hub
Winvic Construction Limited was appointed contractor at the end of April for the £200m Enderby Logistics Hub in Leicestershire.
Scheduled to begin on-site in September 2026, the development will deliver five warehouse units with ancillary office space and gatehouses, alongside access works from Leicester Lane, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
Location: Enderby, Leicester
Project value: £200m
Project ID: 12420001
Start date: September 2026
End date: December 2027
Latest company to be added: Winvic Construction Limited, Contractor
Image source: www.stephengeorge.co.uk
HMP Manchester – Construction Works Combined Projects
The Ministry of Justice has appointed Wates Construction Limited to deliver a £108.5m programme of construction works at HMP Manchester, the high-security prison located in Manchester city centre. The project is currently around 5% complete.
Location: Cheetham Hill, Manchester
Project value: £108.5m
Project ID: 12910366
Start date: March 2026
End date: January 2032
Latest company to be added: Wates Construction Limited, Contractor
Eden Project North
The proposed Eden Project Morecambe attraction will feature a mix of indoor and outdoor arenas, alongside extensive public realm and landscaping works, cycle parking, energy pods, and associated infrastructure and engineering operations.
At the heart of the development will be four distinctive dome structures, known as the Rhythm Machine, the Bay Glade, the Bay Hall, and the Natural Observatory.
Location: Morecambe, Lancashire
Project value: £100m
Project ID: 12354013
Start date: Q3 2026
End date: December 2028
Latest company to be added: WSP Limited, Transport Consultant
Image source: www.grimshaw.global
Get a monthly view of the industry’s performance
The Construction Industry Monthly Snapshot by Barbour ABI offers a concise and reliable view of current and future activity across the UK construction sector, helping businesses identify emerging trends and opportunities ahead of the market.
The report is available to view directly on our website – no form fill required. View the latest edition here.
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