HMP Kennet

Facts and figures

• Value: £25m
• Contract period: October 2006 - December 2007

Client: Custodial Property

A Category C prison in Maghull, Merseyside, created through the conversion of an old existing acute mental health secure facility within a secure site at Ashworth Hospital.

The project comprised the design and construction of the following works:

• Alteration, upgrading and refurbishment of six existing accommodation units to accommodate 350 inmates
• Alterations to an existing building to accommodate a number of multi function activities including prisoner reception and discharge, MDT unit, library, multi-faith, out-patient healthcare, laundry and five workshops
• Conversion of an existing building for use as a visits and works department block
• Demolition of a part of a residential block to form a new care and control (segregation) unit with the construction of 12 cells
• Upgrading existing buildings to form central administration and management suite
• Alterations and upgrading to the existing sports hall to create a new gym and education department, with external sports pitch
• Security and refurbishment works within the existing gatehouse
• Upgrading of an existing kitchen
• Work to existing buildings to form stores
• External works including perimeter and internal zonal security fencing
• External landscaping and planting to meet planning requirements
• Upgraded gas, water and electrical infrastructure

The key success element of this project was the speed from concept, to design, construction and final occupation of the facility.