All-electric houseblock to deliver 247 additional places at HMP Elmley

HMP Elmley, a Category B and C adult male prison in Kent, forms part of the Ministry of Justice’s Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme (AHDP), which is part of a wider government initiative to deliver 20,000 new prison places.

The project, which is due to complete in 2026, will see the construction of a new houseblock, refurbished kitchen facilities, as well as fully electric ancillary buildings, including a new prisoner workshop.

Its design, which further improves a blueprint model established at HMP Millsike, has been led by Pick Everard, utilising offsite construction methods to promote project efficiency and further reduce carbon emissions.

The firm, operating through Perfect Circle, with initial design accelerated via SCAPE, is set to deliver architecture, MEP, structural, civil engineering, principal designer and sustainability services. It is working closely with Kier and Wates, alongside Mace, Gleeds, and Baker Hicks as part of the wider project team.

As well as its sustainable design, the expansion programme at HMP Elmley will include a team of local supply chain partners, bolstering project efficiency efforts.

A series of community engagement programmes will be supported by Pick Everard project team members, with local career events aiding the employment of apprentices, graduates and trainees in the local construction industry.

Anthony Irving, managing director of Kier Western & Wales, said: “The commencement of HMP Elmley is a significant milestone for the MoJ’s Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme.

“The project will not only deliver additional prison places but improve the overall estate at HMP Elmley. The programme will also leave a legacy in the community through the use of regional supply chain partners and the creation of sustainable employment and learning opportunities for prison leavers.”