They will also build workshops at the six locations at HMPs Bullingdon, Channings Wood, Elmley, Highpoint, Hindley and Wayland.

The Accelerated Houseblock Development Programme forms part of the Government’s £4bn prison estate investment plan. This includes building four new prisons while refurbishing existing sites to bring out of date prison places back online.

It is estimated that the construction of the houseblocks and refurbishment works will generate over 2,000 jobs through the construction phase.

These new builds are in addition to the two planned houseblocks announced earlier this year at HMPs Stocken and Guys Marsh, while construction of a new workshop is already underway at HMP High Down in Surrey.

The innovative design of the houseblocks will include x-shaped buildings with wider landings to increase visibility of multiple wings – helping officers to maintain order.

The designs will also mean easier access to supporting facilities such as additional healthcare and kitchens, promoting rehabilitation and helping prisoners to turn their lives around.

This includes jobs through Kier’s ‘Making Ground’ initiative, which offers prisoners on temporary licence jobs in  construction. To date, over 100 serving prisoners and prison leavers have taken part in the programme.

Liam Cummins, Group managing director, Kier Construction, said: “As a project integrator, we look forward to continuing to drive forward the high standards we have set in using modern methods of construction, including innovation, technology and pushing the boundaries of Design for Manufacture and Assembly.

“We will also continue our commitment to supporting prisoner rehabilitation through the extensive use of Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) through our Making Ground programme.”

Paul Chandler, Executive Managing Director, Wates Construction Group, said: “Drawing on the expertise of our in-house engineering and offsite manufacturing specialists, we will be working closely with our Alliance partners to deliver greener, more operationally efficient buildings that support the MoJ’s net zero ambitions by 2040.

“Not only this, but our focus will be on creating environments that boost staff and prisoner wellbeing, and that encourage better rehabilitation outcomes for the people that these buildings serve in the long-term.”