The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) from the UK has selected Laing O’Rourke, Kier, and Wates Joint Venture to create up to 1,200 new prison spaces across the UK, emphasizing safety, security, and rehabilitation.
Expanding on the MoJ’s innovative Alliance model, the three contractors will join forces to establish top-tier new facilities, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance social impact within the prison community.
Collaboration among alliance members will also extend to efficient engagement with supply chain partners across various project sites.
Laing O’Rourke, Kier and Wates are already working with ISG and the MoJ in the £1bn Alliance 4 New Prisons (A4NP), which is set to deliver 6,000 new prison spaces.
New Prison Facility - Project Details
The new prison spaces will be accommodated within standardized house blocks, employing a consistent design and construction method that prioritizes quality, efficiency, and sustainability through modern methods of construction (MMC).
Each house block will consist of 60 single-occupancy rooms and will be complemented by spacious kitchen facilities and other necessary ancillary spaces.
Additionally, certain sites will incorporate educational zones for studying and light industrial units to facilitate prisoners in pursuing professional construction-related courses.
The project builds on the success of the Ministry of Justice’s pathfinder projects at HMP Five Wells, HMP Fosse Way, and HMP Millsike.
The three JV contractors will contribute by offering training and job prospects to individuals leaving prison, contributing to rehabilitation efforts.
New Prison Facility - Alliance Contracting Approach
MoJ has procured the project using an alliance contracting approach. This collaborative construction contracting method emphasizes cooperation, shared risk, and stakeholder benefit.
The parties (clients/owners and contractors) form an alliance and are usually governed by a target price, mutually agreed program, and other requirements (i.e. quality standards).
These agreements typically contain mechanisms for sharing upsides and risks. For example, if a project is completed below the budget, the savings are shared between the contractors and client (the same occurs the other way around; if the project is above the budget, parties share the cost overruns).
Suggested Article: What is an Alliance Contract? (Pros, Cons & Examples)
Adherence to UK Government’s Construction Playbook
This strategy is in complete harmony with the UK government’s Construction Playbook.
MoJ acknowledges the substantial advantages of Tier 1 contractors collaborating to foster innovation, enhance social value outcomes, and establish a modern prison infrastructure that aligns with the UK’s 2050 net-zero carbon targets.
Project Timelines
The JV team will start to work on pre-construction activities immediately, and construction works are anticipated to begin in early 2024. The first house blocks are expected to be ready in 2025.
