Construction Of New Prison Moves Closer

The start of work to build a massive new prison near Market Harborough is moving closer.

The Ministry of Justice is preparing to submit a planning application detailing the finer points of the development, after permission for the 1700-inmate jail was controversially granted by government last year.

A new consultation has been launched asking for comments from residents, as more details are revealed of how the prison will look once it is built on land near HMP Gartree.

It will include seven four-storey house-blocks designed in the shape of an ‘X’ – each holding 245 male prisoners.

There will also be a further seven support buildings on the site near HMP Gartree, including workshops and a kitchen, plus an outdoor multi-use games area for recreational use.

Diana Cook from Gartree Action Group, which campaigned against the prison, wants the MoJ to hold drop-in events so residents can ask questions:

Computerised image of how the prison buildings are likely to look

Edward Argar MP, Minister of State for Prisons and Probation, said: “We understand that the proposals are significant and that there has been considerable local interest and concerns about the proposal.

“As such, we are keen to provide more information about how these proposals are progressing, starting with this period of community engagement on the reserved matters.

“We look forward to continuing to listen to and engage with the local community, the local MP and councillors as this project moves forward.”

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