Major construction progress has been marked on the £119 million expansion of HMP Erlestoke as work continues to create new prison places and rehabilitation facilities in Wiltshire.
Representatives from Wates Group, the Ministry of Justice and project partners gathered at the prison yesterday for a groundbreaking event recognising the next stage of the development.
The expansion, which began construction in February, will see three new 60-bed secure houseblocks built at the Category C prison, creating an additional 180 prison places.
Alongside the accommodation blocks, the project will also deliver a new vocational training workshop and upgrades to existing facilities aimed at improving education and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
The scheme forms part of the Government’s wider prison expansion programme, which aims to create 14,000 additional prison places across England and Wales.
HMP Erlestoke’s development sits within the Small Secure Houseblocks Programme, designed to increase capacity at existing prisons using modern construction techniques and standardised building methods.
More than 65 per cent of the new houseblocks will be constructed using off-site manufacturing and precast concrete systems, which developers say will reduce waste, lower carbon emissions and speed up delivery.
The project is also targeting a BREEAM Outstanding sustainability rating, with all-electric facilities, low-carbon materials and measures aimed at diverting at least 95 per cent of waste away from landfill.
Wates says the development will also deliver social value locally through apprenticeships, employment opportunities and rehabilitation-focused initiatives.
So far, five apprentices have been recruited to the project, while prison leavers are also expected to be employed as part of the company’s commitment to supporting long-term employment pathways.
The company said prisoners had already taken part in purposeful activity linked to the scheme during its early stages.
Mark Craig, Managing Director for Construction South at Wates, said the project would support both public safety and rehabilitation.
“HMP Erlestoke marks another important step in our ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Justice to deliver modern, secure and sustainable prison facilities,” he said.
“The expansion will not only provide much-needed prison spaces but create facilities that help support opportunities for rehabilitation and skills development.
“Wates is proud to play a part in creating safer communities and supporting positive futures.”
Fiona Parker, Deputy Director for the Small Secure Houseblocks Programme at His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, said the expansion would help address growing demand while improving prisoner outcomes.
“This expansion at HMP Erlestoke marks a critical step forward in delivering modern, secure, and rehabilitative prison facilities as part of our wider commitment to increase prison capacity,” she said.
“The new houseblocks and vocational training workshop will help ensure prisoners have the opportunity to develop skills that support their reintegration into society, ultimately helping to reduce reoffending and protect the public.”
Construction work is expected to continue through 2027, with completion targeted by the end of that year.
