The two firms have been awarded contracts to lead an alliance of hundreds of small businesses in constructing new houseblocks at six prisons.
They will also build state-of-the-art workshops at the six locations - HMPs Bullingdon, Channings Wood, Elmley, Highpoint, Hindley and Wayland – which will add further momentum to the Government's drive to cut reoffending and crime by getting more ex-offenders into jobs. This push has already seen the proportion of ex-prisoners employed six months after release increase by two-thirds (66 per cent) between April 2021 and March 2022.
Designed with security and rehabilitation in mind, the innovative design of the new houseblocks will include x-shaped buildings with wider landings to increase visibility of multiple wings – helping officers to maintain order. The designs will also mean easier access to supporting facilities such as additional healthcare and kitchens, promoting rehabilitation and helping prisoners to turn their lives around.
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It is estimated that the construction of the houseblocks and refurbishment works will generate over 2,000 jobs through the construction phase and over 750 jobs within the new prison facilities.
This includes jobs through Kier's ‘Making Ground’ initiative, which offers prisoners on temporary licence jobs in the construction industry. To date, over 100 serving prisoners and prison leavers have taken part in the programme.
These new builds are in addition to the two planned houseblocks announced earlier this year at HMPs Stocken and Guys Marsh, while construction of a brand-new workshop is already underway at HMP High Down in Surrey.
Ms Atkins MP, said: "The Government is delivering on its vision for a modern prison estate that places security and rehabilitation at the heart of its design.
"This will boost public safety by giving offenders every opportunity to turn away from a life of crime and towards a future of gainful employment.
"These houseblocks are also great news for the local firms who will play a central role in constructing them, along with the communities who benefit from the jobs that will be created at the prisons."
