Skanska’s successful record in secure accommodation continues with its latest house block for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), a 226-cell facility at HMP Edinburgh, set to become operational eight weeks ahead of schedule when the first detainees arrive this month.
This is a result of Skanska giving the SPS early access during the last stages of construction to finalise its security work and then completing the accomodation three weeks ahead of programme.
Two key reasons for the early completion were Skanska’s extensive use of prefabrication, including prison cells made off-site in units of two and four that were lifted into position on arrival, and an experienced supply chain developed from previous secure accommodation projects, particular under the PFI.
SPS acting head of estate development Davina Williams says, “By gaining that early access, we had a head start in getting the houseblock secure and ready. I was impressed with the smart, time saving pre-fabrication techniques Skanska used to deliver ahead of a tight programme.”
Skanska’s senior project manager John Rourke, “We developed an excellent relationship with the SPS and our joint focus to get the SPS into the building as quickly as possible to complete final security procedures ensured the early intake of detainees was possible. Our experience of the security aspects of working in a live prison environment was also vital to this.”
This is the second house block completed by Skanska for the SPS. In January it handed over a 213-cell block for young offenders inside HMYOI Polmont at Falkirk and the company is now working with the SPS on two further projects scheduled to start construction later this year.