Kier’s Glasgow prison masterplan submitted for planning

A masterplan for a new prison in Glasgow, designed by Kier, has been submitted for planning.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Prison Service awarded Kier the preconstruction services contract to deliver HMP Glasgow, which is set to replace the 19th century HMP Barlinnie.

The submission of the masterplan for the 1,200-inmate facility follows an approval in principle for the scheme made by Glasgow City Council in 2020.

Kier Construction group managing director Stuart Togwell said: “Reaching this important milestone has been a team effort and Kier has been able to contribute its extensive experience from the wider custodial sector, while collaborating closely with the Scottish Prison Service and other partners, to develop a solution which will deliver positive outcomes for all stakeholders at this vital facility, as well as the wider community.”

The masterplan sees a number of changes to the initial designs, including the construction of five smaller houseblocks rather than the originally-planned three.

This will allow each of the houseblocks to contain 20 rather than 30 cells in an attempt to create a “household” rather than a “super-wing” approach.

The prison will make use of modern methods of construction, heat pumps, passive ventilation and smart technologies, according to a statement from the scheme promoters.

Michael Stoney, governor of HMP Barlinnie leading on HMP Glasgow, said the prison plans represent a “bold vision which will provide the maximum possible benefit to those who live and work there, and our surrounding communities”.