Justice Secretary Visits New Prison Site near Market Harborough
Written by HFM News on 5th August 2026
The Justice Secretary says residents’ concerns will be listened to after visiting the site of a huge new prison under construction near Market Harborough.
Alex Norris toured the site of HMP Welland Oaks yesterday, where work continues on the £300 million Category B prison due to open in 2029.
The development was approved despite widespread local opposition to the 1,700-inmate jail.
The proposed new prison site – image courtesy of ADPV – with Justice Secretary Alex Norris inset.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Norris said the concerns of people living nearby would be taken into account as the project progresses:
The prison is being built on land next to HMP Gartree and will cover an area roughly the size of 35 football pitches.
Harborough District Council unanimously rejected plans for the prison in 2022 following strong opposition from residents.
However, the scheme was later given the go-ahead by then Conservative Housing Secretary Michael Gove, who overruled the advice of the Government’s own planning inspector.
