First look at site of Scotland's new £1bn super-prison

A £1 billion prison project is said to be on time and on budget as a “key milestone” was hit.

New Justice Secretary Neil Gray visited the site of HMP Glasgow – which will replace the ageing Barlinnie jail – this week as risers were erected for five of the housing blocks.

The £998 million project will increase the capacity of Scotland’s prison estate by more than 350 at a time when the system is struggling with record prisoner numbers while also focusing heavily on rehabilitation.

It is due to be completed by 2028, with the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) saying it is on time and on budget.

The site of HMP Glasgow – which will replace the ageing Barlinnie jail. STV News

“I am very pleased to help mark a key milestone in the construction of HMP Glasgow and to see first-hand how the new prison, which will add 357 more places to the prison estate, is taking shape,” the Justice Secretary said after his visit.

“This is an investment in our prison system and a safer Scotland. With increased capacity, HMP Glasgow will focus on how prisoners are rehabilitated so they are less likely to reoffend when they are released back into the community.

“The new prison will also considerably improve working conditions for hardworking prison staff and will deliver £450 million worth of economic benefits, including jobs and contracts for businesses in Scotland, with 50% of project spend benefiting the local supply chain.”

SPS chief executive Linda Pollock said: “HMP Glasgow is not only essential to long-term sustainability of our prison estate, but will also be transformative for those in our care, our staff and the communities that depend upon it.

“I am delighted to see the project reach this important milestone and look forward to the continued progress of the new build.”

Matt Collins, operations director for builder Kier Construction, said almost £350 million had been spent with Scottish supply chain firms and 115 jobs have been created – 25 of which have been taken up by those who have been through the justice system.