UK Ministry of Justice Awards £236 Million Preliminary Works Contract for Lancashire Prison Project

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 1, Laing O'Rourke was awarded the preliminary works contract for the new prison project in Lancashire, UK. Located near Leyland, adjacent to the existing HMP Garth and HMP Wymott prisons, the project's works package has been approved by the UK Ministry of Justice. Laing O'Rourke will act as the main contractor and member of Alliance 4 New Prisons (A4NP) to deliver the preliminary works and subsequent main construction. The company's current project documentation indicates its scope corresponds to approximately 1,650 new prison places.

The preliminary works phase is planned for a duration of 76 weeks, primarily to clear the site for the main prison construction. The works include demolishing existing facilities within the new build area, diverting underground and above-ground utilities, and associated site works, with approximately 1 kilometre of deep drainage pipeline planned for installation using directional drilling. The project also requires adjusting the HMP Wymott security fence, realigning Pump House Lane, and managing the relocation of the energy centre, bowling club, and associated facilities. Laing O'Rourke lists a subsequent main construction period of 183 weeks, with an anticipated peak on-site workforce of approximately 1,200 people.

The project planning documents divide the entire construction process into four phases. Phase One implements the aforementioned preliminary works; Phases Two and Three involve constructing the replacement bowling green and clubhouse, boiler house, and relocated car park; Phase Four proceeds with the main construction of the new prison. The approved planning scope permits the construction of new prison facilities of up to approximately 74,532 square metres, and includes the demolition of existing buildings, associated works, a replacement boiler house, and bowling facilities.

The main prison is planned to feature seven four-storey accommodation blocks, supported by workshops, kitchens, and other service facilities. Laing O'Rourke's current construction approach utilises a pre-assembled modular system, with the company estimating that approximately 12,000 precast components will be used in the project; its scope includes approximately 41,000 square metres of accommodation buildings such as cell blocks. The main works will be implemented following the site clearance and relocation of supporting facilities, with the overall project targeted for completion in 2031.

The project is being delivered through the UK Ministry of Justice's A4NP framework. The Ministry uses the FAC-1 Framework Alliance Contract as the overarching collaboration agreement for the entire programme, with individual projects at different stages utilising NEC4 Professional Service Contracts and Engineering and Construction Contracts. A4NP currently comprises Kier, Laing O'Rourke, and Wates, with the framework covering the new prison construction cycle scheduled for completion in 2031.