THE Scottish Prison Service has awarded Kier the pre-construction services contract to deliver Glasgow’s new prison.

HMP Glasgow, will be built on a 54-acre site in Provanmill and is set to replace Victorian-era HMP Barlinnie, in 2026.

The jail will be at the former Provanmill Gasworks site on Royston Road.

Glasgow City Council approved the principle of developing a prison there in September 2020.

The prison service says it intends that HMP Glasgow will be designed to deliver safety and security through the use of technology and design innovation, as well as operating in a fully-sustainable way throughout its lifecycle.

Teresa Medhurst, SPS chief executive said: “We are delighted to award the contract for pre-construction services to Kier Construction which represents a significant step forward in delivering the new HMP Glasgow.

“This significant capital project offers SPS the opportunity to work with Kier Construction, utilising a strategic alliance approach to create a single team ethic to ensure that operational, architectural and construction expertise is blended to create a facility that is innovative and sustainable whilst promoting the strategic intent of the prison to deliver in all areas of the Scottish Government’s national outcomes.”

Liam Cummins, group managing director of Kier Construction said: “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver HMP Glasgow, further strengthening our relationship with the Scottish Prison Service.

“’This important project is an opportunity to deploy our extensive custodial experience combining engineering excellence, modern methods of delivery and our strong operational capability in Scotland developed over more than 30 years.

“We look forward to getting started on this first phase of work with the Scottish Prison Service and bringing their vision to life.”