Understand
New cellblock for nearly 250 inmates built at HMP Elmley in Kent
Overview
A new fully-electric cell block designed to house 247 prisoners has been completed at HMP Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. Built by the Kier Group, the facility includes secure windows to prevent contraband smuggling by drones and a new workshop to provide inmates with employment skills upon release. The expansion is part of a broader government programme aiming to deliver 14,000 additional prison places by 2031.
Key points
- A new cell block has been constructed at HMP Elmley to house 247 prisoners.
- The first inmates are scheduled to move into the new cells in the coming weeks.
- The building features secure windows designed to block drones carrying contraband.
- A new workshop has been built to help prisoners acquire skills for future employment.
- The expansion forms part of a government initiative to create 14,000 more prison places by 2031.