The programme uses a pioneering alliance form of contract, with all four contractors collaborating on a delivery methodology that prioritises modern methods of construction.

The proposed new mega prison at Full Sutton

The Alliance 4 New Prisons will initially develop the design for Full Sutton, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, with a further three locations to be confirmed.

A4NP will develop a standardised design and construction approach for each of the four prison sites to maximise procurement efficiencies and quality standards through the use of offsite manufactured components.

This strategic capital programme builds on the success of the MoJ’s pathfinder common design prisons at HMP Five Wells and Glen Parva, with designer alliance, Perfect Circle, refining this intent across this latest programme of works.

The four contractors will immediately commence an intensive preconstruction period, which is anticipated to conclude early in 2022 – ahead of construction proper at HMP Full Sutton in summer 2022.

James Hindes, managing director at Kier Strategic Projects, said: “Bringing together four Tier 1 contractors to work collaboratively through this programme is a progressive approach by the Ministry of Justice, and one which will not only be beneficial in harnessing innovation across the industry, but it will also create new jobs and help the MoJ to better rehabilitate offenders.

“Evolving improvements in design will help us to deliver on the government’s sustainability targets and, as one of the partners, we bring experience and expertise gained from the delivery of HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, which uses a range of build methods including MMC.”