Jail to be bigger and better

"Activity places" will be created for Hull inmates

One of the largest prison expansion projects in England and Wales has begun at Hull Prison.

Several new houseblocks are being built that will hold an extra 360 prisoners.

This will see the capacity of the jail increase to around 1,000.

Facilities will also be improved with the provision of a new sports hall, a multi-faith centre and an 18-bed healthcare centre.

"It is an exciting project that will help us to meet our targets of protecting the public and reducing re-offending while at the same time coping with the increased prison population

Governor Steve Wagstaffe

An extension to the existing education building and the conversion of the old gymnasium facilties will provide an extra 300 "activity places" for prisoners.

The activities will be aimed at preparing prisoners for release and providing them with relevant skills and qualifications.

The houseblocks are expected to start taking inmates before the end of next year.

It is thought that all the redevelopment work will be completed by the spring of 2003.

The exact number of jobs to be created as a result of the expansion has yet to be decided but it is thought to be in the region of 150 posts.

A major recruitment drive will start in the New Year.

The Governor of HMP Hull, Steve Wagstaffe, said: "I am very pleased that work on the redevelopment project of the prison is now due to start.

"It is an exciting project that will help us to meet our targets of protecting the public and reducing re-offending while at the same time coping with the increased prison population."