Smart-prison build for Kier

Prison-build revolution continues with construction of new Yorkshire jail.

Kier has secured the contract to build Britain’s newest ‘smart’ prison. Construction work will start this autumn – delivering over 1,400 modern places to get more offenders into jobs and away from crime.

The signing of the contract and with a date secured for breaking ground, this project signals the latest major step toward 20,000 new prison places promised by the government.

Latest smart technology

The £400M contract will see Kier continue its partnership with the Ministry of Justice in creating new prison places, following on from the development of HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, which opened in February this year.

The new Category C prison will be designed from top-to-bottom with the latest smart technology to cut crime and protect the public.

The jail will include an unprecedented array of workshops and classrooms, so prisoners spend their time behind bars learning new skills to find work on release – factors known to significantly reduce reoffending.

Net-zero future

Due to complete in 2025, it will be the first new prison to operate as zero-carbon in the future, with an all-electric design, solar panels, heat pumps and more efficient lighting systems to reduce energy demand significantly.

Jobs boost

In a boost for the local economy, the new prison will create hundreds of jobs in construction, and a further 600 once the establishment opens.

Through Kier’s ‘Making Ground’ prison engagement and employment programme, at least 50 construction roles will be earmarked for ex-offenders – giving them the opportunity to rebuild their lives, gain new skills and get back on the straight and narrow.

Modern, innovative prison

Prisons Minister, Stuart Andrew, said: “I am delighted work can begin on yet another modern, innovative prison that will skill-up untold numbers of offenders to live a crime-free life while making our streets safer.

“The new prison at Full Sutton will also support hundreds of jobs, in construction and afterwards, representing a major boost to Yorkshire’s economy.”

Six prisons programme

The new buildings will sit opposite the existing HMP Full Sutton and will be the third of six prisons to be completed as part of the New Prisons Programme, following HMP Five Wells and HMP Fosse Way in Glen Parva, which is due to open next year.

Around £4bn of investment will create thousands of jobs for local communities and see millions invested in local roads and infrastructure while rehabilitating thousands of offenders and keeping the public safe.

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