The refurbishment of the Elizabeth Fry Wing involved the complete strip-out and remodelling of a Victorian-era residential block that had remained largely unused since 2007 due to its poor condition. The works included the reconfiguration of existing accommodation and communal areas to maximise prisoner capacity, the provision of in-cell shower facilities, accessibility improvements including platform lift access, and the creation of modern welfare facilities for both inmates and staff. The project was delivered within the constraints of a live custodial environment, requiring careful planning, phased execution, and close coordination with prison operations to maintain security and minimise disruption to the daily running of the establishment.
The new build Sports Hall was constructed within the prison’s former farms and gardens area and provides a modern recreational facility comprising a main sports hall, dedicated exercise room, changing facilities, accessible showers and toilets, storage areas, staff observation space and associated plant rooms. The facility plays an important role in supporting prisoner wellbeing, rehabilitation and physical activity, whilst providing a durable and secure environment designed specifically to Ministry of Justice requirements.
Throughout the project, particular emphasis was placed on sustainability, future-proofing and compliance with Ministry of Justice design standards, NOMS standards, Building Regulations, health and safety requirements, BIM information management protocols and operational prison security procedures. The completed development has transformed a previously redundant accommodation block into a modern residential facility and has delivered significant improvements to the estate through the provision of high-quality accommodation, enhanced support facilities and new recreational infrastructure.
M&E scope of works consisted of:
- Pre-fabricated package plantroom
- Air source heat pump and water source heat pump heating
- Refrigerant air conditioning
- Domestic hot and cold water service
- Above ground drainage
- Mechanical ventilation
- Fire misting hose reel system
- Building Management System
- Anti vandal anti ligature sanitaryware and automated controls
- HV distribution
- LV distribution
- Small power
- Data
- Anti vandal lighting and controls
- External lighting
- Fire Alarm
- CCTV
- General alarm
- TV distribution
- Cell Call
- Lightning Protection
The M&E installation formed a significant element of the project and was designed to deliver a modern, energy-efficient and secure environment compliant with Ministry of Justice standards. A new prefabricated energy centre was installed to serve both the refurbished wing and associated facilities, incorporating low-carbon CO₂ air source heat pump technology to provide space heating and domestic hot water generation. Mechanical services included new domestic hot and cold water systems, boosted water services, above-ground drainage, sanitaryware installations, mechanical extract and supply ventilation, VRF air conditioning systems to selected areas, fire mist hose reel systems and a fully integrated Building Management System (BMS) to provide monitoring and control of key plant and equipment. The design also incorporated maintainability, operational resilience and energy performance considerations in line with the Ministry of Justice sustainability objectives.
Electrical services comprised new HV and LV power distribution infrastructure, sub-main containment and distribution systems, small power installations, energy-efficient LED lighting, emergency lighting, structured cabling and data networks. Specialist prison systems included fire alarm, CCTV, general alarm, cell call, television distribution, lightning protection systems and associated security interfaces.. The extensive M&E refurbishment transformed a previously obsolete building into a fully operational custodial facility, while the new sports hall was equipped with modern building services infrastructure to support recreational, fitness and welfare activities for inmates and staff alike
