Shortlist Revealed For New Prison Name

A massive new prison near Market Harborough is to be called one of three names.

The £300m jail at Gartree will be known as either HMP Harcourt, HMP Devana or HMP Welland Oaks.

The Ministry of Justice has revealed the shortlist after receiving over 80 suggestions during a public consultation and is now inviting feedback on what the final name should be.

It says all the names reflect the history, geography and nature of the local area:

HMP Harcourt – this is relation to the ‘tithing men’ who would visit the Gartree Hundred and were responsible for maintaining law and order within the community

HMP Devana – this is in reference to the Roman road that ran through the Gartree and Harborough area

HMP Welland Oaks – this relates to the River Welland which runs close to the new prison, and the historical Gartree oak tree.

The site of the new prison adjacent to HMP Gartree Pic: Clive Mason

Harborough District Council unanimously rejected plans for the 1,700-inmate prison in 2022 after mass opposition from residents, but the scheme later received the go-ahead by then-housing secretary Michael Gove, who went against the advice of the Government’s own planning inspector.

The main construction of the jail is set to begin soon, as groundworks continue on the site, adjacent to the existing HMP Gartree.

Cllr Phil King, who represents the Gartree division of Leicestershire County Council, has criticised the shortlist:

A panel of representatives will consider the final feedback before deciding on the name and requesting approval from the Secretary of State for Justice and His Majesty the King.

James Smith, Senior Responsible Owner, New Prisons Programme, said: “We are now inviting the local community to share feedback and let us know your preferred choice out of the three proposed names.

“If you would like to share your preference, please email psdenquiries@justice.gov.uk with the subject line ‘Gartree Name’ by 26 September 2025.

“At this stage, we are only able to accept feedback and comments on the three options above and will not be considering any new suggestions.”