The new national facility for women is to be built on the existing site of HMP and YOI Cornton Vale.

The prison for 80 inmates will house the most serious offenders. This smaller national prison will be supported by five new separate, smaller regional custodial units.

Documents in the planning system show that the Scottish Prison Service and contractor Morrison Construction aim to start shortly, subject to approval of reserved matters.

Scotland scrapped plans for a £75m women’s super prison at HMP Inverclyde in January in favour of the smaller national prison as part of a new approach to female offending.

The new women’s national prison has been designed by architect Holmes Miller, with Arup’s Edinburgh office carrying out M&E design and Glasgow-based Stuart McTaggart handling structural and civil engineering.

The new prison will include a health centre; education facilities for teaching and developing life skills; outdoor areas and a gymnasium to promote healthy living and fitness; and a quiet area for contemplation where women can also attend faith services.