Kier has started construction of what will become the country’s first net zero carbon prison in operation.
The 1,500-bed Category C prison at Full Sutton in the East Riding of Yorkshire will feature solar panels, heat pumps and more efficient lighting systems. It will run completely on electricity.
Kier will also use elements of modern methods of construction (MMC) as well as cement replacement for the build.
The new jail follows Kier’s build of HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough and supports the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) drive for platform design (PDfMA). The new prison is based on the blueprint of Kier’s design for HMP Five Wells, and part of the houseblock design used in the Accelerated Houseblock Delivery Programme.
Jobs and apprenticeships
Construction work will create hundreds of jobs, with Kier committing to 50 sustainable employment opportunities for prison leavers, 50 apprenticeships and upskilling 1,000 workers in its supply chain.
Completion is due in 2025.
Kier and the MoJ are also working together to provide employment opportunities for serving prisoners and prison leavers through Kier’s Making Ground initiative, including work opportunities for Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) prisoners.
‘Cutting-edge facility’
Liam Cummins, group managing director of Kier Construction, said: “Breaking ground at Full Sutton yesterday was a major milestone for this new prison. It builds on our successful partnership with the MoJ, where we have been operating successfully in close collaboration for the past decade.
“We will deliver this new prison as a cutting-edge facility, built on engineering excellence that we have utilised on other projects, and using innovative sustainable methods which will achieve net zero in operation.
“Alongside this, we’ll create hundreds of jobs throughout the lifecycle of the project, supporting local people and the supply chain, as well as providing opportunities for prisoners on release.”
Mace is the MoJ’s delivery partner and alliance manager for the HMP Full Sutton project since 2019.
Jason Millett, CEO for Consult at Mace, said: “Mace has worked closely with the MoJ to deliver the New Prisons Programme, completing at HMP Five Wells earlier this year and bringing practical delivery experience to the entirety of the programme.
“The new prison at HMP Full Sutton is a world-leading example of how a focus on net zero development can create positive, sustainable change. This milestone is a fantastic achievement for our teams and demonstrates our strength in delivering against the decarbonisation agenda.
“We are excited to drive further innovation on the programme for the MoJ, creating social value and opportunities for local communities.”
