Wates has landed a landmark £100m contract to expand HMP Onley in Warwickshire, marking the first scheme in the government’s new houseblock roll-out to move into construction. Reports Contract Journal
The project will deliver 180 additional category C places through three new 60-bed houseblocks, alongside a vocational training facility and upgrades to existing kitchens, classrooms and office space.
Forming part of the government’s Small Secure Houseblocks initiative, the scheme contributes to the wider prison expansion programme, designed to ease pressure on capacity with around 1,000 new places nationwide.
Over 65% of the houseblocks will be manufactured offsite using a standardised design, helping to cut carbon, accelerate delivery and maintain security standards.
Wates is delivering the scheme in partnership with Mace and Gleeds, with completion expected by the end of 2026.