Balfour Beatty has announced its successful bid for a contract to build the new £209 million HMP Highland in Inverness, Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Prison Service.
Having initially secured the early contractor involvement (ECI) contract for the pre-construction phase and designing HMP Highland in 2022, Balfour Beatty has now secured the construction phase valued at £119 million. This phase will entail erecting an 18,500m2 modern facility consisting of two interconnected buildings and associated infrastructure.
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HMP Highland - Project Details
Set for completion by 2026, HMP Highland aims to become Scotland’s inaugural net zero prison, aligning with the Scottish Government’s ambitious low-carbon targets. To achieve this goal, the facility will harness renewable energy sources like ground-source heat pumps.
Employing modular construction techniques, Balfour Beatty plans to prefabricate internal wall panels and perimeter walls offsite in a controlled factory environment. This approach will significantly reduce carbon emissions by minimizing onsite transportation of materials.
In line with its commitment to community engagement, Balfour Beatty has pledged to allocate £60 million to local supply chain partners and businesses throughout the project’s duration. Once operational, HMP Highland will replace Inverness Prison and house 200 inmates, marking the first new prison in the region in over a century.
During the construction peak, Balfour Beatty aim s to employ 250 individuals, with 5% of the workforce comprising apprentices, graduates, and trainees as part of its commitment to The 5% Club.
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Comments from Balfour Beatty and Scottish Prison Service Leadership on HMP Highland
Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, expressed delight in contributing to this significant project. He emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging modern construction methods and local expertise to deliver a pioneering facility.
Linda Pollock, Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, highlighted the collaboration with the Scottish Government to enhance prison infrastructure. She emphasized that HMP Highland will increase capacity and provide space for rehabilitation programs, facilitating successful reintegration into communities post-release.
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