North East Prison Expansion: New Cells and Job Opportunities Unveiled

New Additions to Prison Capacity at HMP Kirklevington Grange

HMP Kirklevington Grange is undergoing significant developments with the construction of 152 new prison places, a move aimed at enhancing public safety. This expansion is part of a broader initiative by the Government to ensure that the country never faces a shortage of jail space again. The introduction of Rapid Deployment Cells, designed for swift implementation to bolster capacity, marks the most extensive prison expansion programme since the Victorian era.

In recent years, thousands of new prison places have been established across the North East and Yorkshire, contributing to local employment, supporting supply chains, and aiding in rehabilitation efforts. The Government has committed £4.7 billion to create an additional 14,000 prison places by 2031, with over 3,300 already constructed since July 2024.

Ministerial Commitment to Public Safety

Catherine McKinnell, the Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, emphasised the urgent need for this expansion, stating that the prison system was on the verge of collapse, with dangerous offenders potentially lacking suitable accommodation. McKinnell highlighted the importance of ensuring that there are always cells available for individuals posing a risk to the public, thereby reinforcing the Government’s commitment to building new prison places across the nation.

McKinnell noted that the ongoing developments are not only about increasing capacity but also about creating jobs and improving safety on the streets. The involvement of prisoners in the construction process at Kirklevington Grange is a vital aspect of this initiative, providing them with essential skills and qualifications that will aid their reintegration into society.

Prisoners Gaining Valuable Skills

Two prisoners at Kirklevington Grange have already been engaged in the construction efforts, working on the foundations of the new facility. There are plans to expand this participation, allowing more offenders to gain practical experience that will facilitate their transition away from criminal activity. Reds10, the construction partner, is also employing prisoners on temporary release to assist in manufacturing the Rapid Deployment Cells across the wider estate.

Kelly Pearce, Governor of HMP Kirklevington Grange, remarked on the significance of this expansion, stating that it represents a substantial investment in the institution and enables better support for prisoners preparing for their return to the community. The project not only provides real workplace experience but also fosters the skills and confidence necessary for leading crime-free lives post-release.

Strategic Expansion of Prison Facilities

Mark Wood, Head of Construction in the Justice Sector at Reds10, praised the collaborative efforts between various stakeholders involved in the project. He highlighted that the Kirklevington Grange expansion exemplifies how the integration of Modern Methods of Construction with an efficient delivery model can effectively meet prison capacity needs.

This initiative is part of a larger government strategy to prevent the country from facing a prison space crisis, which saw only 500 net places added over a 14-year period leading up to July 2024. Recent developments in the North East and Yorkshire have included the opening of HMP Millsike, a new 1,500-place facility near York, along with additional expansions at HMP Northumberland and HMP Humber.

Investment and Future Plans

In addition to the Kirklevington Grange project, a £110 million investment is being made to expedite the construction of hundreds of prison places. This funding aims to repurpose existing spaces within prisons, such as unused office areas, laundry rooms, and storage facilities, to accommodate more inmates.

The Government is also implementing changes to sentencing reforms that will prevent the early release of numerous dangerous offenders. Plans are in place to expedite the removal of foreign national offenders, alongside measures to address the historical injustices associated with Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences, ensuring a balance between fairness and public safety.

Overview of HMP Kirklevington Grange Project

HMP Kirklevington Grange, located near Yarm, is an open prison that assists men in preparing for their release and resettlement in the North East. The current expansion project will introduce 152 additional prison places across three two-storey accommodation blocks, complete with necessary supporting facilities and infrastructure. The construction will involve 181 modules, with over 85 per cent of the work being carried out off-site.

Reds10 has been appointed as the Principal Works Contractor for this scheme, and two prisoners are actively participating in the project under the Release on Temporary Leave (ROTL) programme, which requires them to pass strict risk assessments to be eligible. The Government’s commitment to delivering 14,000 additional prison places by 2031, including the 3,300 already completed since July 2024, reflects a proactive approach to addressing the challenges within the prison system.