Delivering modern, sustainable prison facilities at HMP Erlestoke

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Project at a glance

£119m value of the project

180 additional prison places

Vocational training workshop

2027 targeted completion

Expanding capacity while supporting rehabilitation

Wates Construction South is delivering the £119 million expansion of HMP Erlestoke in Wiltshire, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice as part of the Small Secure Houseblocks Programme.

The development will provide 180 additional category C prison places, alongside a new vocational training workshop and upgrades to existing facilities.

Designed to support rehabilitation, the scheme is creating modern, secure environments that enable education, skills development and positive outcomes for prisoners.

Experience the groundbreaking event in action

Building smarter, delivering with certainty

The project is being delivered using modern, standardised construction methods to drive efficiency, quality and programme certainty.

Over 65% of the houseblocks are being delivered using off-site manufacturing and precast construction
A standardised design approach is being applied across the programme to improve consistency
Close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, AECOM and Mace Consult to integrate design and delivery

Creating opportunities beyond construction

Creating lasting social value is central to the delivery of HMP Erlestoke.

Commitment to employing a minimum of five prison leavers
Delivery of apprenticeships and training opportunities on-site

Early progress includes:

5 apprentices recruited
28 hours of careers advice delivered across two local prisons
48 hours of community engagement
76 prisoners engaged in purposeful activity in the first two months

Designed for a lower carbon future

The development is targeting BREEAM New Construction Outstanding, supporting the delivery of low-carbon, all-electric facilities aligned with government commitments.

Key measures include:

Diverting at least 95% of construction waste from landfill
Sourcing at least 70% of materials responsibly
Use of HVO fuel to reduce construction emissions
Maximising efficiency through off-site construction methods

Delivering long-term outcomes for people and communities

The HMP Erlestoke expansion will deliver much-needed prison capacity while creating a modern environment that supports rehabilitation, skills development and reintegration.

Through a combination of innovative construction, strong partnerships and a focus on social value, the project is contributing to safer communities and better long-term outcomes.