HMP Lancaster Farms will gain four new houseblocks, increasing its capacity by more than 40 per cent, from 584 to 824 places. This is part of a government initiative to expand prison capacity.
The new cells will feature modern security elements, such as reinforced windows. A new workshop will also be added, intended to provide prisoners with training and skills for employment upon release.
Construction on the new houseblocks is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2026. This expansion is part of the largest prison expansion programme since the Victorian era, which aims to add 14,000 extra spaces by 2031.
Catherine McKinnell, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, stated that the new houseblocks are the latest step in building necessary prison places. She noted that over 3,300 places have been delivered across the country in just over two years.