Britain's newest prison opens in Leicester
The "cutting edge" HMP Fosse Way is part of the government's £4 billion pound prison building plan
Last updated 30th Jun 2023
Britain's newest prison, built on a design to help cut crime and rehabilitate offenders has officially opened in Leicestershire.
HMP Fosse Way, a new category C prison in Wigston will house 1,715 inmates.
It is part of the government's £4 billion construction programme.
It is expected to boost the local economy with £180 million pounds have been spent with local contractors and 600 jobs to be created.
Communal recreation area for prisoners at HMP Fosse Way
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk attended the official opening on 29th June. He said the build signals a new approach to prisons by "creating safe, modern places that utilise the latest technology to place rehabilitation and cutting crime at their core".
Cells have ultra-secure, bar-less windows to help to put an end to the smuggling of illegal drugs, phones and weapons into jails.
There are 24 workshops to learn skills such a construction vehicle simulator.
There is also a music classroom where record company representatives can help offenders train in music production.
The Ministry of Justice has named it as the greenest prison ever thanks to greener fuels, renewable energy and electric construction machinery.
Mr Chalk, who met with frontline prison staff at HMP Fosse Way, said the opening means the Government is "a quarter of the way towards completion of the biggest prison-building programme in more than a century".
He added: "The cutting-edge design will give offenders every opportunity to turn around their lives, while also providing a significant boost in this Government's drive to grow the economy."
The prison started accepting prisoners on 29th May.