Modular builder Reds10 has been appointed to deliver 152 units at the open HMP Kirklevington Grange prison near Yarm, North Yorkshire, under the Ministry of Justice’s Rapid Deployment Cells Programme (RDCP).
The project comes as the government’s chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, warned earlier this month that the prison system in England and Wales remained “very fragile” because of overcrowding.
It’s the biggest RDCP project for Reds10 so far. It’s also the first time the company is working as principal works contractor rather than as the modular-unit supplier. As well as the accommodation blocks, Reds10 is responsible for new power infrastructure, utility connections, prisoner property storage, self-cook rooms, staff offices and laundry facilities.
Some prisoners will be able to work on the project through release on temporary licence (ROTL). As CM has reported, prisoners allowed to work in construction have been found to have high rates of employment and very low rates of re-offending after release.
“Without sustained effort to make prisons places of purpose, where men and women are properly prepared for release, it is likely that more prisoners will reoffend and will be recalled to jail, reducing available space and adding to these systemic problems,” chief inspector Charlie Taylor said.
85% made offsite
The project at HMP Kirklevington Grange is the UK’s second-biggest RDCP project to date. The programme has added 1,000 units to the prison estate since its launch in 2022.
The new accommodation units at Kirklevington Grange will comprise three, two-storey accommodation blocks created from 181 modules manufactured in Reds10’s factory. Reds10 said 85% of the units’ fabric will be manufactured offsite.
The project is currently going through enabling works, service diversions and groundworks ahead of the installation of the modular blocks. Completion is scheduled for 2028.
“After delivering over 1,000 units across the prison estate, we are continually improving our approach to deploying RDCs and providing crucial purpose-built accommodation,” said Tracy Dineen, senior responsible owner of the RDCP.
“Working collaboratively with both Reds10 and the local team here at HMP Kirklevington Grange, we are keen to deliver additional prison places that will not only support the demand across the estate but also provide rehabilitative opportunities for the local establishment and residents in our care.”
Mark Wood, head of justice construction at Reds10, said the project “demonstrates what can be achieved when clients, contractors, prison teams and supply chain partners work together as one team from the outset”.
“We’re also proud that the project will create opportunities for prisoners through the ROTL programme, helping people develop valuable skills and workplace experience while contributing to the delivery of much-needed prison capacity.”
