More cells for Channings Wood Prison

Newton Abbot jail to get new cellblock

Devon's Channings Wood Prison is to get major new development so it can take more inmates.

Its part of a half-a-billion pound investment by the government in six prisons to provide spaces for an additional 2,600 prisoners.

The UK prison population is around 86,000, with a capacity just shy of 91,000; one of the highest rates among developed nations. The government is planning to open 20,000 new cells in due course, costing £4 billion.

Channing's Wood near Newton Abbot is a low-category establishment with places for around 730 men in eight cellblocks. It opened on a former Ministry of Defence site in the early eighties.

Now it is to get a new cellblock, which the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) quaintly describes as 'houseblocks,' along with a new workshop. The MOJ says the investment will "add further momentum to the government’s drive to cut reoffending and crime by getting more ex-offenders into jobs."

It continues: "Designed with security and rehabilitation in mind, the innovative design of the new houseblocks will include x-shaped buildings with wider landings to increase visibility of multiple wings – helping officers to maintain order.

"The designs will also mean easier access to supporting facilities such as additional healthcare and kitchens, promoting rehabilitation and helping prisoners to turn their lives around.
 
The government estimates the construction of the houseblocks and refurbishment works across the six prisons, contracted to two companies, Kier and Wates, will generate over 2,000 jobs through the construction phase and over 750 jobs in the new prison facilities.

Some of the work will be done by prisoners. Kier has a scheme called ‘Making Ground’, which offers prisoners on temporary licence jobs. To date, over 100 serving prisoners and prison leavers have taken part in the programme.

Prisons Minister Victoria Atkins MP, said: “The Government is delivering on its vision for a modern prison estate that places security and rehabilitation at the heart of its design.
 
“This will boost public safety by giving offenders every opportunity to turn away from a life of crime and towards a future of gainful employment.
 
“These houseblocks are also great news for the local firms who will play a central role in constructing them, along with the communities who benefit from the jobs that will be created at the prisons.”