Wates has officially broken ground on a new prison houseblock at HMP Wayland in Norfolk, as part of the Ministry of Justice’s Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme, which aims to increase prison capacity across England.
The four-storey facility will accommodate 247 prisoners and include a 1,200-capacity kitchen serving the wider prison, alongside 66 education places. Although construction began last August, the official groundbreaking ceremony marked the project’s progress. Wates will also deliver a site-wide power upgrade.
Designed with rehabilitation in mind, the new facility will provide tutor-led classroom sessions to help prisoners develop valuable skills, particularly in construction. Workshops will offer opportunities to gain CSCS cards and NVQs.
An all-weather sports pitch and outdoor exercise areas will also support prisoners’ personal development and help prepare them for release.
Writer and actor Ric Renton spoke at the ceremony about his own experience of the prison system and the importance of rehabilitation. He shared how receiving a dictionary to read while spending time in solitary confinement helped change the course of his life.
Liberty Kitchen and Combat2Coffee – organisations that train and employ prisoners – provided catering for the ceremony.
The Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme aims to create 2,800 additional prison places through the use of modern construction methods.
As part of the project, Wates will employ 10 prison leavers directly and through its supply chain, alongside providing six months of structured support.
The contractor will also deliver around 3,500 hours of training, create 11 apprenticeships and provide 250 hours of volunteering. It will also engage with 300 school and college students.
Wates is constructing the houseblock using a standardised design incorporating premanufactured components. The fully electric facility is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating or better, supporting the Ministry of Justice’s sustainability objectives while helping to reduce long-term operational costs.
“This expansion will provide much-needed additional capacity, while creating an environment that supports rehabilitation, skills development and long-term reintegration,” said Mark Craig, Wates’ managing director for construction south.
HMP Wayland governor Kevin Clark said: “The new accommodation will provide a safe and secure environment for us to rehabilitate prisoners and get them ready for release. We are pleased that the construction work has officially begun and we look forward to working with our contractors to get things delivered.”
Wates is currently delivering 3,500 prison places across England.
