Wedoany.com Report-Feb 27, Galliford Try’s Building North East and Yorkshire team has begun a project commissioned by the Ministry of Justice to upgrade an entire prison facility. The initiative requires close coordination with prison authorities to ensure daily activities experience minimal interruption. According to a 2023 report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, the prison’s infrastructure was in poor condition, highlighting the need for enhancements, including a fire safety overhaul originally scheduled for September 2023. Work has now started on-site as of February 27, 2025.

The improvements include the installation of fire compartmentalization, emergency lighting, smoke extraction systems, fire alarms, and misting reels. These updates aim to address the concerns raised in the inspection report and enhance the safety of the facility. The project reflects a focused effort to modernize the prison’s infrastructure while maintaining operational continuity.

Steve Ripp, custodial and judicial director for Galliford Try, stated: “This project reinforces Galliford Try’s expertise in delivering critical infrastructure in secure environments and underscores our commitment to helping the MoJ improve safety standards in the UK’s custodial facilities.” His remarks emphasize the company’s experience in handling complex projects within restricted settings and its dedication to supporting the Ministry of Justice in achieving higher safety levels across the nation’s prisons.

The delay from the planned start date in September 2023 to early 2025 has not altered the scope of the work, which remains centered on fire safety and structural upgrades. Galliford Try’s collaboration with the prison ensures that the installation of new systems, such as smoke extraction and emergency lighting, proceeds without compromising the facility’s functionality. The misting reels and fire alarms are part of a comprehensive approach to meet current safety requirements.

This undertaking demonstrates a practical response to the findings of the 2023 inspection, addressing longstanding issues with the prison’s condition. By implementing these changes, Galliford Try aims to deliver a safer environment for staff and inmates alike. The project aligns with broader efforts by the Ministry of Justice to maintain and improve the UK’s custodial infrastructure, with completion expected to bring the facility up to modern standards.