Skanska has today been awarded a £100 million contract by BWP Project Services an investment vehicle 100% managed by Barclays Infrastructure Funds Management Limited, for the design and construction of a new Category B local prison at Belmarsh West in South East London, which will be operated by Serco. Ultimate client for the scheme is the Ministry of Justice.
Skanska and Serco have a long and successful history of working together. Most recently, Skanska was appointed by Serco to construct 260-cell expansions at both HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire and HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire both of which were originally built by Skanska in 1997 and 2001 respectively. Under this latest contract, Skanska, working with Serco, will undertake the design and construction of a new prison at Belmarsh West with a target of achieving a BREEAM rating of Excellent. The new prison will be centred around a 600-cell four-storey house block as well as associated buildings to provide education, rehabilitation, training, hospital, sports, healthcare, worship, kitchens, recycling, storage, visits, administration works, horticulture and security. Using its in-house skills, Skanska will also undertake the piling works, the structural and civil design as well as the installation of mechanical and electrical services. Skanska’s professional team for this project is lead by our architects and long-term design partners on custodial projects Capita Symonds. Enabling works have begun with main construction scheduled to begin next month and completion set during the first half of 2012. Commenting on the award, Paul Chandler, Executive Vice President of Skanska UK said: "This award reinforces Skanska’s commitment to the custodial sector where we have been successfully operating for over 15 years. I am also pleased that we will be once again working with Serco with whom we have developed a strong working relationship through the successful delivery of similar schemes”.