People are being asked what they think about plans to build a major new prison near Southport.
The 1,715-capacity jail in the countryside would be built just north east of Southport, between here and Leyland, amd close to Tarleton.
These images have been released by the Ministry of Justice as it looks to expand capacity in our region in a £4billion building programme.
If approved the complex will hold Category C prisoners preparing for resettlement ahead of being released from their sentence.
The MoJ says that the new prison could create between 600 and 700 permanent jobs once up and running. These jobs would include prison officers, nurses, teachers, office staff, and others. The Ministry of Justice is seeking to build several new jails as it looks to provide spaces for 18,000 new prisoners and has published a consultation document asking people what they think.
Prisons and Probation Minister Alex Chalk MP said: “Prisoner numbers change over time which is why we must have robust plans in place to make sure we will always have enough places available.
“We expect there will be an increase in demand for prison places as the activity of our courts system continues to ramp up to full operating capacity following the national restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The increasing numbers of police, in line with the Prime Minister’s commitment to recruit 20,000 additional officers, is also likely to contribute to a higher prison population, and we therefore believe that creating 18,000 additional prison places will help to mitigate pressure on prison places in England and Wales in the coming years.”
The new prison would be built in the borough of Chorley, just beyond its West Lancs border, and between the towns of Southport and Leyland.
If approved it would be built next to HMP Garth, a high security Category B prison, and HMP Wymott, a Category C prison that houses inmates including sex offenders.
The complex would consist of seven blocks, each holding around 240 inmates. Most will have their own cell, which will feature a toilet and shower.
The Ministry of Justice said the site would be surrounded by fencing and a road for security patrols.
New prisons are being built in Leicestershire, Yorkshire and Northamptonshire under the same scheme, with sites also being sought for two other new jails.
*You can view the consultation documents here.
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