The new £300m prison at Gartree is set for construction commencement later in 2024, following planning approval.
- Harborough District Council has given the green light to detailed plans for the prison’s design and layout.
- The Ministry of Justice successfully appealed against a previous planning refusal to pave the way for this project.
- With a 1,700-inmate capacity, the facility promises to be one of the largest in the country.
- Construction responsibilities have been awarded to Wates, a leading contractor in the United Kingdom.
The proposed £300m prison project at Gartree, near Market Harborough, has reached a significant milestone. Harborough District Council has endorsed detailed proposals concerning the facility’s design and structural layout, submitted by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The council’s planning committee convened on 11th June 2024, where they not only approved these details but also agreed to delegate authority to a designated council officer, ensuring efficient handling of specific planning conditions related to drainage and environmental considerations. The endorsement marks a pivotal step forward in this substantial development, with construction anticipated to commence later this year.
Originally, the outline planning application from the MoJ faced rejection in April 2022 by Harborough District Council. However, the ministry, unwavering in its pursuit, lodged an appeal in June 2022. This persistence culminated in the Secretary of State’s decision in November 2023, which overruled the initial refusal and granted outline permission, contingent upon specific conditions being met. This decision has effectively cleared the path for one of the largest prison facilities in the country, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernise and expand its correctional infrastructure.
The planned facility is poised to accommodate up to 1,700 inmates and will feature 14 blocks, each soaring to a height of four storeys. Such scale not only reflects the sheer size of the project but also indicates a significant investment in the nation’s penal system. It is indicative of a broader strategy to address growing concerns around inmate capacity and outdated facilities within the UK’s prison services. The MoJ’s resolve to see this project through highlights governmental efforts in infrastructure expansion to cater to contemporary demands.
Wates, a well-established main contractor, has been entrusted with bringing this project to fruition. Their role as the principal constructor is a testament to their expertise and reputation within the construction industry. The company is anticipated to mobilise its resources swiftly to initiate construction activities once final preparations are in place, translating the approved designs into a tangible reality. Their involvement ensures adherence to the highest standards of construction and safety, a critical aspect of such a high-profile project.
The approval and imminent construction of the new Gartree prison symbolises a significant advancement in the UK’s correctional infrastructure expansion.
