Completion of Structural Works at Welland Oaks Prison
The installation of the final building beam at HMP Welland Oaks marks a significant milestone in the construction of this new facility in Leicestershire. This development is a crucial part of the Government’s extensive prison building initiative aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing crime rates across the region.
HMP Welland Oaks will feature advanced security measures, including state-of-the-art counter-drone technology and systems designed to block illicit mobile phone signals. These innovations are intended to prevent the entry of drugs and contraband into the facility, thereby combatting the organised crime networks that exploit prisons for illegal activities. Additionally, the prison will offer various workshops aimed at equipping inmates with essential skills and education, enabling them to reintegrate into society and avoid returning to a life of crime.
Job Creation and Community Impact
The construction of HMP Welland Oaks is projected to generate hundreds of jobs, both during the building phase and after the prison opens in 2029. This influx of employment opportunities is designed to benefit local residents, apprentices, and even individuals who have recently left the prison system, providing them with pathways to stable careers.
This new facility is part of the largest expansion of the prison system since the Victorian era, with plans to add 14,000 additional prison places by 2031. This initiative follows a period in which only 500 net places were created over a span of 14 years, highlighting the urgency of addressing capacity issues within the penal system.
Government Commitment to Public Safety
Catherine McKinnell, the Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, emphasised the Government’s commitment to building the necessary prison infrastructure to detain dangerous criminals effectively. She highlighted that the new facilities will incorporate robust security measures to counteract the challenges posed by drones and drug smuggling while simultaneously providing offenders with the skills needed for rehabilitation.
As of September 2026, over £269 million—more than 85 per cent of the project budget—has been allocated to businesses situated within a 50-mile radius of the construction site, fostering local economic growth and job creation.
Future Developments and Ongoing Initiatives
This significant achievement coincides with the Government’s plans to initiate the next phase of constructing a new 1,500-place prison in Buckinghamshire. This follows the allocation of £110 million to expedite the delivery of additional prison places, which includes the conversion of existing unused facilities into operational cells.
Furthermore, the Government is actively working to increase capacity by expediting the removal of foreign national offenders and addressing the longstanding issue of Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences in a manner that balances fairness with public safety.
Details on HMP Welland Oaks
HMP Welland Oaks, classified as a category B prison for adult males, is currently under construction in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, near HMP Gartree. The facility, being built by Wates Construction, is designed to accommodate approximately 1,700 inmates, with the first prisoners expected to arrive in early 2029.
As of September 2026, the project has already created substantial opportunities for the local community, including:
- 501 new jobs generated on-site
- 29 apprentices currently participating in the project
- 36 prison leavers receiving skills training
- 85.5% of project expenditure (£269 million) directed to local businesses within 50 miles of the site
The Ministry of Justice is also pursuing an Extraordinary Jobs campaign aimed at reshaping perceptions of careers in prisons and probation, highlighting the diverse roles available and the critical impact staff have in enhancing public safety and supporting rehabilitation efforts.