HMIP Annual Report 1997-98

2. Prison Establishments

Review of Estate

2.1 Changes to the prison estate during 1997-98 have included:

• Construction work for a new prison which commenced in late 1997. HM Prison Kilmarnock is the first new establishment since HMP Shotts was built in 1985 and is located near Bowhouse in Ayrshire. The 500 cell category ‘B’ prison is being built by a consortium led by Premier Prison Services using the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and is expected to open in Spring 1999.
• The re-opening of ‘A’ Hall at HMP Peterhead. This will now become a National Induction Centre for convicted long term sex offenders.
• The earmarking of two floors of ‘B’ Hall at HMP Barlinnie as national contingency accommodation.

Building and Maintenance Programme

2.2 Last year, a total of £6.6 million was spent on the maintenance and upgrading of prison buildings, many of which had been erected in the Victorian era. A total of £18.7 million was spent on capital programmes, which include:

• At HMP Barlinnie, the £4.9M conversion of ‘D’ Hall. A new £4.6M visits/staff facilities complex is also due to open in August 1998.
• At HMP Perth, the £4.3M refurbishment of ‘D’ Hall was completed in October 1997. A new Segregation Unit is also being built.
• At HMP Edinburgh, a start was made on the construction of a 125 cell House Block and new Segregation Unit. Both buildings are due to open in November 1998.
• At HMP Glenochil, the £1.5M refurbishment of ‘A’ Hall was completed in November 1997.
• At HMP Greenock, the completion of a new health centre.
• At HM Institution Cornton Vale, the completion of a new day care centre.
• At HMP Friarton cell strengthening/window replacement was carried out.
• In addition to these specific projects, work on perimeter security was carried out at a number of establishments, including the cladding of external fences at HMP Shotts and HMP Glenochil (£400K per establishment).

2.3 For 1998-99, the budget has been allocated as follows:

• Additional Accommodation (including Segregation Units) £6 million
• Security improvements £4 million
• Health and Safety improvements £3 million
• Staff facilities/visit room improvements £2 million
• Planned Hall improvements £1 million
• Minor works programme £2 million