Seamless collaboration with HMPPS and external suppliers means
this £2.6 million project is being delivered on time, exceeding
customer expectations, says Gov Facility Services
Limited.
Work began in December to upgrade residents’ living conditions by
installing 80 new self contained units, or pods. Now complete,
they offer a much more comfort and privacy; each having a living
area, bed, desk, WC and shower unit.
A team of 10 workers expertly winched the 2.5 tonne pods into
place on a newly levelled field at Ford. They replace 20 smaller
billets, mostly prefabricated, which were demolished - meaning
they’ll be ready for occupancy by 26 April 2021.
Project Manager, Terry Coston explains,
This is a vast improvement on the previous accommodation. The
residents will have much better living conditions, with more
comfort, decency and privacy.
For example, each resident will have their own door key and use
of a nearby kitchenette, pin phone room with 5 lines, and
laundry.
About HMP Ford: some background
HMP Ford is located near Arundel in West Sussex, on a former
airfield. It played a highly strategic role as a squadron base
during WW1 and later became RAF Ford Airfield, again playing
major military roles in the D Day landings.
Today, HMP Ford is an open prison committed to providing a safe
and educational environment. Ford residents all have under 2
years left to serve on their sentence so the focus is on
resettlement and on men learning new skills to help them on
release.
All residents are expected to work as they would out in the
community. Work opportunities inside prison include painting and
decorating, carpentry, engineering, cleaning and call centre
work. Some residents enjoy work in nearby nurseries growing
flowers and vegetables which are sold in the Ford farm shop
(re-opening to public shortly).
Work outside the prison is either supported through community
service placements, work experience or paid work. Education
provision includes a range of courses offered by The Chichester College.
