23 Dec 2002

Interserve and its bid partner, UKDS, have won the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract to create and operate a new, all-women's prison in Ashford, Middlesex. The contract has been awarded by Her Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS).

Interserve Project Services will design and build the prison, which has a capital value of £47m. Construction will begin in January 2003 with the prison due to open in mid‑2004. UKDS will then provide operational management over a period of 25 years. Interserve Investments plc is taking an equity stake in the project with other consortium members Sodexho Alliance SA (UKDS's parent company) and Royal Bank Project Investments Ltd. The senior funding package of £60m was arranged and underwritten by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The last new women's prison to be built in the UK was at Holloway, beginning in 1971. Understanding both of female prisoners' needs and the importance of rehabilitation has developed over recent years, and this is reflected in the Ashford prison's design. For example, in addition to the normal amenities in areas such as healthcare and religious activities, HMP Shortwood, as the facility will be known, will have a mother-and-baby unit.

Externally the prison has a compact design and occupies less land than was anticipated in the Outline Planning Consent. Other environmental issues have also been considered, including extensive landscaping and public access to the River Ash and the adjoining parkland.

The prison will have a capacity of 450 places and will offer a mainly local service accommodating prisoners on remand, serving short sentences or waiting to serve longer terms at other prisons after sentencing.

Commenting on the award of the contract, Interserve director John Vyse said, "Many factors led to the success of our proposal, not least the integration of the prison's design with its efficient operation. We've worked closely with UKDS, drawing on its specialist operational knowledge to complement our expertise in effective and efficient building design. HMP Shortwood will meet the stringent demands of the Prison Service in providing a safe, secure and supportive environment for the women located there."