The UK’s first all-electric prison has officially opened in York, marking a significant milestone in the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) drive to create modern, sustainable facilities that support prisoner rehabilitation. HMP Millsike, a Category C resettlement prison with a capacity for 1,500 prisoners, forms part of the MoJ’s New Prisons Programme (NPP), one of several programmes which make up the 20,000 prison place programmes which aims to deliver 20,000 new prison places across the country. Designed with rehabilitation at its core, HMP Millsike will provide prisoners with the skills and training needed to secure employment upon release, supporting the government’s wider efforts to cut reoffending and improve public safety. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard acted as the lead designer on the project, working closely with the MoJ and Kier to deliver an efficient, safe, and secure facility. The consultancy has a long-standing partnership with the MoJ, spanning over two decades, and has been instrumental in shaping the design of multiple prisons, including HMP Five Wells, HMP Fosse Way, and HMP Oakwood. Jenny Curtlin, director at Pick Everard, said: “HMP Millsike sets a new standard for sustainable prison design, incorporating biophilic principles and energy-efficient solutions to create a facility that prioritises rehabilitation. Our work on the New Prisons Programme included developing the reference design—a blueprint that has been successfully used across multiple new prisons. This latest project builds on that foundation, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.” The prison will operate on 70 percent less energy than traditional prison facilities, thanks to air-source heat pumps, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting systems, generating over 8,500kWh of renewable energy on-site. HMP Millsike has been designed to provide a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment, featuring six accommodation blocks, a central services hub, an entrance resource hub, workshops, kitchens, a support building, and a care and separation unit (CASU). The facility’s innovative approach to prison design reflects the MoJ’s commitment to creating environments that support rehabilitation while reducing the carbon footprint of the justice system. Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said: “This Government is fixing the broken prison system we inherited, delivering the cells needed to take the most dangerous criminals off our streets. “HMP Millsike sets the standard for the jails of the future, with cutting crime built into its very fabric. It is a huge step in our plan to add 14,000 extra prison places by 2031. “But building jails only takes us so far in ending this crisis, which is why we’re also reviewing sentencing so we can always lock up dangerous offenders and make our streets safer.” With the successful completion of HMP Millsike, the MoJ and Pick Everard continue to drive forward sustainable and rehabilitative prison design, shaping the future of the UK’s custodial estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The UK construction industry is set to benefit from a significant pipeline of work, as the government pushes forward with a £2.3 billion prison expansion programme aimed at creating 14,000 new prison places by 2031. According to industry analysts Glenigan, the Ministry of Justice’s Prison Capacity Strategy offers substantial secured opportunities for contractors across the country. The ambitious strategy will see four new prisons constructed over the next seven years, delivering 6,500 new places for offenders. In addition to the new builds, a further 6,400 places will be created via new blocks within existing prison estates. An extra 1,000 places are planned through the installation of rapid deployment cells, while over 1,000 existing cells will undergo refurbishment. To support the long-term functionality of the prison system, the government has also allocated an additional £500 million for maintenance across the prison and probation estates. Fast-Tracking Delivery In a move to avoid the planning delays that have previously hindered prison developments, the government will reclassify prisons as ‘sites of national importance’. This change is designed to accelerate the planning process. Additional land acquisitions are also planned to accommodate future expansion. Sector Growth Backed by Data Recent data highlights a notable surge in prison-related construction activity. Glenigan reports that the value of prison project starts rose to £164 million in the three months to January 2024—almost fourteen times the value recorded a year prior. These projects represented approximately 38% of all construction activity within the communities and amenities sector during that period. A major driver of this increase was the £101.5 million refurbishment of a detention centre in Gosport, alongside several other Ministry of Justice projects currently at various stages of development. Key Projects Across the UK Among the most prominent schemes is a £116 million development at HMP Lancaster Farms, due to begin this summer. The project includes new houseblocks, workshops, and storage facilities over nearly 5,000 sq m, with Kier Construction appointed as the main contractor for the 17-month build. Elsewhere in the North West, HMP Hindley near Wigan is undergoing a £93 million expansion. The 40-month project, led by Wates Smartspace, involves constructing two accommodation blocks and support facilities totalling nearly 25,000 sq m. Work is scheduled to commence this spring. In the South of England, a substantial £300 million new-build prison is planned at HMP Grendon Springhill near Aylesbury, spanning up to 67,000 sq m. Further south, a £75 million development is planned at HM Ford Open Prison in West Sussex. The scheme will include seven three-storey houseblocks and various supporting facilities over 17,000 sq m, with work expected to begin later this year, though a main contractor has yet to be appointed. Additional developments in the south include projects at HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire and HMP Standford Hill in Kent, both currently in the pre-tender phase. Opportunities in Smaller Schemes The expansion programme also includes a range of smaller projects. For example, at HMP Foston Hall in Derbyshire, a £3.52 million scheme involving two two-storey houseblocks and associated facilities has received detailed planning approval. Construction is due to start this spring and run for 12 months. Looking ahead, one of the most significant projects in the pipeline is the £236.4 million HMP Wymott 2 development in Chorley, Lancashire. Outline planning permission has been granted and tenders submitted. The project will deliver nearly 75,000 sq m of new facilities adjacent to two existing prisons, with construction set to begin next summer and span two years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction has commenced on a £300m expansion project at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk, set to deliver 741 new category C prison places as part of the government’s wider plan to create 14,000 additional spaces by 2031. The development will introduce three four-storey houseblocks alongside key facilities, including a healthcare building, workshop, teaching spaces, and additional kitchen capacity. Several existing structures, such as the gym and gatehouse, will also undergo upgrades. A key focus of the project is social value, with initiatives to provide apprenticeships, employment for former prisoners, and training programmes aimed at upskilling inmates. Modern construction methods are being utilised to improve efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and accelerate project delivery. Standardised designs are being implemented to ensure the highest standards of quality, security, and sustainability. The scheme also aims to achieve a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. Major stakeholders involved in the project include Mace, Pick Everard, Baker Hicks, Gleeds, and Prism Offsite Manufacturing, with key trade contractors such as Moortown, Gallagher, Trident Electrical, Munnelley, Green Shield, and HSH contributing to the build. The new prison wings are expected to be completed by summer 2027, with prisoners set to move in shortly after. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has announced a £1.5 billion investment programme aimed at regenerating 75 neighbourhoods across the UK over the next decade. Each selected area will receive £20 million as part of the government’s new Plan for Neighbourhoods, designed to breathe new life into local high streets, parks, youth clubs, cultural venues, libraries, and health and wellbeing services. To ensure that funding meets local needs, newly established neighbourhood boards will bring together residents and businesses to decide how best to invest the money in their communities. Options could range from repairing pavements and revitalising high streets to setting up community grocers offering low-cost essentials, co-operatives, or even strengthening neighbourhood watch schemes. The investment will also focus on improving education, health, and employment services while tackling pressing local issues such as crime. Alex Norris, Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, said the programme would provide long-term support to strengthen community spirit and help struggling areas recover. “This will deliver lasting funding to reignite the potential of neighbourhoods that have for too long been left fighting for survival,” he said. “Alongside our planning reforms, devolution of powers, and strengthened workers’ rights, this investment will help people and places to thrive again.” Among the communities set to benefit are Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire, Irvine in Scotland, Wrexham in Wales, and Coleraine and Derry in Northern Ireland. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner highlighted the importance of putting local people in control of their own regeneration. “For years, too many neighbourhoods have been starved of investment despite their potential to grow and flourish,” she said. “Communities across the UK have so much to offer—from rich cultural heritage to strong local networks—but they know best what their neighbourhoods need. “Our fully funded Plan for Neighbourhoods does things differently. It puts local people in the driving seat, giving them the power to decide how government investment is spent, what issues to tackle, and where to focus growth.” With this ambitious funding package, the government aims to give neighbourhoods the tools and resources to transform their futures, creating stronger, more vibrant communities across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

DESIGNED as a new base to enhance neighbourhood policing services, the new multi-million-pound eco-friendly police facility in Abergavenny has officially opened its doors for duty. Located on the A465 in Llanfoist, the new purpose-built home of Gwent police covers the local authority areas of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, and Torfaen in Wales. The Heddlu Gwent Police facility, which has been strategically positioned for rapid response via the ‘Heads of Valley Road’, will enable Gwent’s neighbourhood team to easily cover the town centre on foot, while a customer facing counter service will be retained in Abergavenny Town Hall. Multi-disciplinary consultancy firm Pick Everard was behind the scheme, operating through Perfect Circle to deliver project management and NEC supervisor services alongside contractor Willmott Dixon. Accelerated under the SCAPE Consultancy framework, the completed project has been rated BREEAM Excellent and was recognised at the National Considerate Constructors Scheme for its positive impact on the region. Thomas Bean, senior project manager at Pick Everard, said: “This has been a highly rewarding project to bring a key policing hub in Wales up to modern standards. It required our expertise to help navigate brownfield land development and build a facility that would serve the region effectively. “The new base was also crucial for public confidence, with a location close to the town centre and the A465, enabling rapid vehicle response. “Now complete, the facility provides a functional and practical modern workplace for officers and staff. As Gwent police’s greenest base to date, the new scheme sets a new benchmark for balancing operational needs with sustainable credentials.” On the roof of the building, photovoltaic solar panels have been installed with battery storage located inside the facility that will maximise the efficiency of usage of the solar energy produced. The site has a total of 30 parking spaces, including five standard electric vehicle charging spaces and two accessible spaces, including one accessible electric vehicle charging bay. In addition to its advanced energy features, the site also includes various ecological enhancements, including a drainage balance pond and wildlife underpasses to ensure safe passage for wildlife. ‘Frog ladders’ enable reptiles to climb out if they fall into drainage gullies, while bat boxes, bird boxes, native hedge planting, and a bug hotel for invertebrates also form part of the scheme. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “We know the public wants to see neighbourhood policing increased and for services to be properly resourced to tackle crime. “That’s why we have announced that we will recruit 13,000 neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs to do just that. “The new police facility in Abergavenny will ensure that the local Gwent Police officers have a visible base in the town and can help keep the streets safe. “Officers and the Welsh public can be clear that the UK Government will support police to make the improvements they need.” The Gwent Police estate is the responsibility of the Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd. She said: “I would like to thank the Secretary of State for formally opening our new police base in Abergavenny. “This new facility, combined with the service desk in Abergavenny Town Hall, provides the best of both worlds; an accessible location for residents to access face to face services, and a modern operational base for officers and staff. “Ensuring that Gwent Police has the resources and facilities it needs to prioritise a visible policing presence in our communities is one of the commitments I have made to the people of Gwent. The new base will enable Gwent Police to increase its visibility in Abergavenny and the surrounding area and provide local teams with a base that is fit for the future.” The completion of the Heddlu Gwent Police facility follows the successful delivery of a brand-new headquarters for South Wales police by Pick Everard, showcasing its ever-growing blue light portfolio. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Crown Estate has unveiled details of its pipeline of developments in London’s West End. The three projects, which have a Gross Development Value of over £430 million, will deliver 251,000 sq ft of office, leisure and retail space in the heart of the Capital. Amongst the three developments is New Zealand House – the landmark Grade II listed building at the southern gateway to Haymarket, the Arts Quarter and St James’s Market.  Opened in 1963, the modernist landmark served as a symbol of the New Zealand Government’s post-Second World War commitment to the United Kingdom, and as a home-away-from-home for New Zealanders overseas. It featured ample office space, a state to which it will return when the retrofit works are complete, with the New Zealand High Commission returning to take substantial space in the building, including in the podium and the top floors. Its iconic mid-century architecture, designed by renowned architect Robert Matthew, Johnson Marshall & Partners, dominates the skyline in St James’s as the only building of height in the area, providing sweeping views of Westminster to the south and the wider West End to the north. As the first major office tower in London and the first to be fully glazed on all sides, its design paved the way for a broader acceptance of modernist, tall buildings. When it was constructed, it was a shining example of innovation and modernity, boasting the first fully air-conditioned office in the Capital. It is this focus on innovation that is once again at the heart of construction works at New Zealand House. During the retrofit project, 90% of the structure is being retained and 1,600 sq m of heritage finishes are being carefully preserved, respecting the listed status of the building. The project has already seen 7,000 items collected for reuse in other projects, steel obtained from reused sources, over 1,300 sq m of marble being reused throughout and renewable energy will be purchased through a PPA from a solar farm in Norfolk to power the construction site. One of the building’s most unique interior features is the giant Te Pouihi; an intricate and spiritually important Māori carving, which sits in the entrance of New Zealand House. Te Pouihi was created specifically for New Zealand House by Inia Te Wīata, a New Zealand Māori opera singer, master carver, film actor and artist, alongside his two sons. They carved the 50ft, two-tonne pouihi over seven years in the building’s basement carpark. The original pouihi will maintain its position in the refurbished New Zealand House, where it embodies the enduring link between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The building’s iconic glazing, which provides a striking line of site through the building from St James’s to Westminster, will be replaced with an innovative alternative to improve thermal performance and passive shading, with The Crown Estate installing digital systems to accurately monitor environmental performance. In total, the construction phase is anticipated to use less embodied carbon than The Crown Estate’s ambitious target of 400kgCO2/m2 across its development portfolio.  The works, which are already underway, also include the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade I listed Royal Opera Arcade. Designed by John Nash and George Repton and completed between 1816 and 1818, it is considered to be London’s oldest existing shopping arcade having survived a fire and the Blitz. Its vaulted roof, circular skylights and protruding quadrant-cornered shopfronts lining the passageway were influenced by Parisian arcades, whilst its overall layout and covered shopping concept paved the way for future arcades in the Capital. Once completed, New Zealand House will deliver 138,000 sq ft of quality office and hospitality space, transforming the site and wider district once more into a thriving, progressive destination. Clare Harrison, Development Director at The Crown Estate, said: “New Zealand House was once a beacon of modernity and innovation in London – we now have the chance to reclaim its former glory and celebrate its striking mid-century architecture. “With the New Zealand High Commission returning to its historic home in St James’s, today’s news represents both a celebration of our shared heritage, and a positive look towards our future. Along with 10 Spring Gardens and 33-35 Piccadilly, the development of New Zealand House will provide spaces and places that work for both the needs of today and future generations.” New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Phil Goff, said: “The New Zealand Government is delighted to be partnering with The Crown Estate on this project to redevelop and refine New Zealand House in its central and landmark site.  When complete, the building will meet the modern needs of New Zealand government agencies in London.  With the restoration of the unique Pouihi, it will continue to reflect New Zealand’s culturally rich Māori heritage. “Redeveloping the building retains the history of the site, and through its prominence and centrality New Zealand House continues to represent the close, deep and enduring relationship between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.”  The Crown Estate has also revealed details around two other developments in its pipeline. 10 Spring Gardens – located between The Mall and Trafalgar Square – will deliver c.80,000 sq ft of sustainable workspace, distributed over ground floor, basement and eight upper storeys. This project also places a high priority on sustainable design and construction retaining over 90% of the building’s structure and façade, minimising the use of new raw materials, whilst enhancing the quality of the office floor plates, amenity spaces and entrances.  Upon completion it is targeting a NABERS 5* rating, EPC A and BREEAM Excellent, as well as a WELL Gold Certification. 33-35 Piccadilly is the only new building construction project in The Crown Estate’s development pipeline.  The redevelopment will provide 3,000 sq ft of prime retail and food & beverage space on the ground floor, with 30,000 sq ft of office space on the floors above. This represents an 85% increase in office and retail floor space. The project will also provide an improved connection between St James’s Church and Swallow Street, alongside improved

MODERNISING operational policing requirements, work has commenced on the £55m redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary headquarters, delivering a flexible and agile workspace for 600 operational staff. The new space, which involves the demolishment and consolidation of five buildings, will be set across 9,000 sqm and provide a new home for services and departments including the major crime unit, victim services and dog unit, along with the senior leadership team and operational support staff. Targeting BREEAM Excellent for ultra-high sustainability standards, the building is also set to include heat recovery units, solar panels, and sustainable drainage systems, while the new building will also respond to modern working requirements by prioritising hot desking and wellbeing initiatives in its design. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, is behind the scheme, operating via Perfect Circle, in a technical advisory role from RIBA Stage 3 under the SCAPE Consultancy framework. The firm is working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary and contractor Willmott Dixon to bring the project to fruition. Andy Robinson, director at Pick Everard, said: “This project recognises Pick Everard’s commitment to supporting the UK’s blue light sectors, providing industry-leading expertise that enables police, healthcare, and other emergency services to support its staff and the surrounding community effectively. “Policing is a job unlike any other, and with it comes its own unique considerations in design. Key to this is the thorough stakeholder management programme established on the project, which will result in a flexible workspace that responds to current need while being scalable for the future. “Working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary and Willmott Dixon, we’re looking forward to the new space delivering a lasting legacy for police services across Welwyn Garden City.” As well as helping reduce the current Stanborough estate’s long-term running costs, the new building is also targeting a WELL Platinum Certification, a major benchmark for advancing health and wellbeing within a single building. Stewart Brundell, managing director at Willmott Dixon in North London and Northern Homes Counties, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Hertfordshire Constabulary to deliver its new headquarters. As a proud Hertfordshire-based company, it is fantastic to be starting on site to provide a new facility for our county’s police force. “This project follows on from our successful delivery of the Bedfordshire Police’s new custody suite. The new HQ will provide Hertfordshire Constabulary’s people with a sustainable, flexible working environment which can be utilised for police and community groups as well.” Victoria Brambini, chief executive at Perfect Circle, said: “This project is a prime example of where Perfect Circle can add real value to the public sector. Commissioning our industry-leading consultancy experts at Pick Everard, we will provide the technical expertise for the redevelopment of the headquarters of Hertfordshire Constabulary, alongside ensuring the building will meet exceptional sustainability targets. “I’m delighted the project will be delivered through both SCAPE’s Consultancy and Construction frameworks, demonstrating that as SCAPE partners, we can provide all that is needed to deliver projects from start to finish.”  Mark Robinson, group chief executive at the SCAPE group, added: “With sustainability in mind, the redevelopment of the headquarters of Hertfordshire Constabulary will provide a much-improved flexible work environment for the county’s police force. “This is a significant project for us as through the SCAPE consultancy framework, SCAPE and Perfect Circle will play an integral role in supplying consultancy services and expert advisory solutions in relation to the complexities of the project. SCAPE is also working in close collaboration with Willmott Dixon through the SCAPE Construction Framework, to deliver efficiency and cost savings throughout the project.” Designed by Vincent & Gorbing Architects, work will complete in summer 2026 on the new headquarters. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals