The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has initiated a significant expansion project at HMP Highpoint, located in Suffolk, as it seeks to address the pressing demand for additional prison capacity across the UK. On March 18, 2025, Wates was appointed to deliver this impressive £300 million programme, which includes the construction of 741 new category C prison places, set within three state-of-the-art four-storey houseblocks.
This ambitious programme aligns with the government's strategic goals to increase overall prison capacity significantly. By 2031, the government aims to add 14,000 prison places throughout the country, tackling the challenges of overcrowding and ensuring adequate facilities for rehabilitation. The Highpoint project aims to increase capacity at the facility by over 50%, reflecting the urgent need for enhanced incarceration capacities due to rising crime rates and the need for effective management of the prison population.
The expansion project is not just about building more prison cells; it includes various ancillary facilities aimed at improving the overall prison environment. These plans encompass the construction of healthcare units, multipurpose workshops, and additional kitchen space intended to service the entire prison. The project will also see significant upgrades to several existing structures, including the gym and the gatehouse, ensuring modern standards and increased efficiency are met.
Wates has adopted modern methods of construction (MMC) to facilitate this ambitious project. The initiative embraces standardised designs to work smarter, reduce carbon emissions, and expedite delivery times without compromising on quality. The use of MMC will enable the completion of the new wings by the targeted date of summer 2027, thereby providing much-needed accommodation swiftly. Wates claims to have crafted around 2,000 building components within MoJ workshops, which not only streamline the construction process but also generate meaningful employment opportunities for local communities.
Phil Shortman, the regional managing director at Wates, spoke about the project’s broader impacts: "Through the construction of this project, around 2,000 building components have been crafted in Ministry of Justice workshops, providing meaningful employment opportunities, helping develop valuable skills and supporting brighter futures." This economic and social perspective highlights the project’s commitment to local engagement and skill development.
Importantly, the project emphasizes sustainability, targeting a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, aligning with modern standards for environmental stewardship. This aspect aims not only to expand prison capacity but to do so responsibly, taking care of surrounding habitats and natural resources.
Additional stakeholders involved alongside Wates include Mace, Pick Everard, Baker Hicks, Gleeds, and Prism Offsite Manufacturing, all of which play pivotal roles within the construction process. The collaborative dynamics among these organizations aim to deliver the project efficiently and effectively, promoting best practices throughout the construction phase. Trade contractors such as Moortown, Gallagher, Trident Electrical, Munnelley, Green Shield, and HSH are also contributing their expertise to the endeavor.
Overall, the expansion of HMP Highpoint serves as both a necessary response to the challenges of prison overcrowding and as part of the government's extensive plan to improve the rehabilitation environment within UK prisons. Shortman elaborated on this dedication to the local community: "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Ministry of Justice delivering additional prison capacity with a focus on rehabilitation, sustainability, and social value for the local community." This articulation of purpose indicates Wates’ commitment not only to constructing new facilities but fostering rehabilitation and improving local conditions.
This major investment and strategic initiative by the MoJ not only aims to increase the number of available prison places but also seeks to transform the overall approach to incarceration by prioritizing job training and rehabilitation. With completion anticipated by summer 2027, it signals the government’s proactive approach to effectively manage the challenges faced by the penal system, ensuring facilities are not only built to hold inmates but to help reintegrate them successfully back to society.
