Lend Lease has won a deal to construct a new “super prison” in Wrexham, Wales in a new government contract worth £151m. The prison – designed to be built across a 110 acre site - will have the ability to hold over 2,100 inmates and will be the first of its kind in north Wales when complete.
The overall project spend is anticipated to total around the £212m mark - £38m under the £250m estimate – and will be developed at a site previously used as a Firestone Tyre Factory.
The project offers significant benefit to communities in north Wales by boosting the economy through the creation of approximately 1000 local jobs. The government’s long-term plan includes proposals for £30 million to be spent with local businesses, 50% of the workforce to be recruited from the local area and £50 million to be spent with small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Prisons Minister, Jeremy Wright, said:
“We knew that a new prison in Wales was going to be a massive boost to the Welsh economy, and I’m delighted that local people are going to benefit from it.
This contract will ensure that millions of pounds are spent with SMEs, with significant levels of work for local businesses and young people – a key part of this Government’s long-term plan to build a stronger economy.
This first prison for north Wales will be a significant boost to the prison estate, helping ensure taxpayers are given the best possible value while holding offenders closer to home to help prevent reoffending.”
Work has already commenced on the prison site and is anticipated to be completed in 2017.
