Prison expansion brings new cells and jobs to North East
The UK Government has begun construction of 152 new prison places at HMP Kirklevington Grange, part of a £110 million expansion programme to increase capacity and support rehabilitation.
Construction has started on 152 new prison places at HMP Kirklevington Grange near Yarm, part of the UK Government’s £110 million Rapid Deployment Cells programme. The project includes groundbreaking on 10 September 2023, marking the first phase of a broader expansion to address prison capacity shortages. The new cells aim to accommodate dangerous criminals and prevent the system from running out of space, as occurred in previous years.
The expansion is part of the largest prison building programme since the Victorian era, with the Government investing £110 million to convert existing spaces into cells across multiple prisons. This includes repurposing unused offices, laundry rooms, and storage areas to deliver additional capacity. The initiative follows the delivery of over 3,300 new prison places since July 2023, supporting local jobs and supply chains while prioritising public safety.
Prisoners are directly involved in the construction process at Kirklevington Grange, with two inmates working on-site foundations and others employed by construction partner Reds10 through temporary release programmes. Three former prisoners have secured permanent roles with Reds10, demonstrating the project’s focus on rehabilitation and skill development. The programme aims to reduce reoffending by providing offenders with workplace experience and qualifications.
The Kirklevington Grange project was marked by a groundbreaking event attended by prison leaders, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, and Reds10. The expansion will support more prisoners in preparation for release while creating opportunities for rehabilitation. It highlights the benefits of modern construction methods and integrated delivery models in delivering prison capacity efficiently.