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New builds to create up to 2,000 construction jobs and
generate millions of pounds to British economy
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Builds on the government’s commitment to create up to
10,000 modern places, aimed at reducing overcrowding and
creating the right conditions for reform.
Justice Secretary has today unveiled plans
for the building of 4 new prisons in England and Wales – creating
5,000 modern prison places and replacing old and overcrowded
establishments with new, fit for purpose buildings.
Sites in Full Sutton in Yorkshire; Hindley in Wigan; Rochester in
Kent and Port Talbot in South Wales have been earmarked for
development as part of the government’s commitment to build up to
10,000 modern prison places by 2020, backed by £1.3 billion to
transform the estate.
As well as creating modern establishments fit for the
twenty-first century, the proposed new builds will also act as a
boost to regional economies across the country – creating up to
2,000 jobs in the construction and manufacturing industries and
new opportunities for local businesses.
Final decisions on the new prisons will be subject to planning
approvals, as well as value for money and affordability.
Justice Secretary said:
We cannot hope to reduce reoffending until we build prisons
that are places of reform where hard work and self-improvement
flourish.
Outdated prisons, with dark corridors and cramped conditions,
will not help offenders turn their back on crime – nor do they
provide our professional and dedicated prison officers with the
right tools or environment to do their job effectively.
This significant building programme will not only help create a
modern prison estate where wholescale reform can truly take
root, but will also provide a thriving, economic lifeline for
the local community – creating hundreds of jobs for local
people and maximising opportunities for businesses.
Today’s announcement comes weeks after the opening of HMP Berwyn
– the new, modern prison in north Wales which will hold over
2,000 prisoners. The construction of this new prison has already
contributed over £100 million to the local economy and created
around 150 jobs and apprenticeships before doors have even
opened.
In creating a modern prison estate, old and inefficient prisons
will be closed and replaced by the new accommodation. A programme
of valuation work will now begin to help inform further decisions
about the estate. Announcements on prison closures will be made
later in the year.
Today’s announcement builds on ambitious reforms to improve
safety in prisons, including an additional £100 million to
bolster frontline staff by 2,500.
This wholescale, organisational reform will be supported by
measures within the Prisons and Court Bill, which will set out a
new framework and clear system of accountability for prisons,
building on the wide-ranging reforms set out in the Prison Safety
and Reform White Paper.
Notes to editor:
- We will be applying for outline planning permission for new
prisons in Yorkshire, the North West, Kent and South Wales.
- A Written Ministerial Statement detailing further information
will be published at 0930 Wednesday 22 March.
