Construction has begun on 152 new prison places at HMP Kirklevington Grange, an open prison near Yarm, using ‘Rapid Deployment Cells’ that can be built quickly to boost capacity. The project was marked by a groundbreaking event on 10 September.
Two prisoners from Kirklevington Grange are working on the foundations as part of the build, released on temporary licence after passing risk assessments, with the aim of giving them workplace skills and experience ahead of release. The construction contractor, Reds10, has also permanently employed three former prisoners.
The scheme is part of a wider expansion across the North East and Yorkshire, which has already included a new 1,500-place prison, HMP Millsike, near York, alongside extra places being added at HMP Northumberland, HMP Humber, HMP Holme House and HMP Deerbolt.