Suffolk prison to be expanded to house more prisoners

A new workshop is also going to be set up at HMP Highpoint to provide offenders with job training

HMP Highpoint, near Stradishall
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 24th Jun 2022

A new houseblock is to be built at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk, as part of a Ministry of Justice plan to create more prison places.

The Category C men's prison, at Stradishall, is one of six institutions being expanded at a cost of around £500m.

It's estimated the project will create over 2,000 jobs across the UK.

Highpoint will also get a state-of-the-art workshop to provide job training to prisoners which could help them after release.

The scheme has already seen the proportion of ex-prisoners employed six months after release increase by two-thirds between April 2021 and March 2022.

Some prisoners will be given the chance to work temporary licence jobs in the construction industry.

Prisons Minister Victoria Atkins MP, said:

“The Government is delivering on its vision for a modern prison estate that places security and rehabilitation at the heart of its design.

“This will boost public safety by giving offenders every opportunity to turn away from a life of crime and towards a future of gainful employment.

“These houseblocks are also great news for the local firms who will play a central role in constructing them, along with the communities who benefit from the jobs that will be created at the prisons.”

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