Mitie Care & Custody has been awarded the ten-year contract to run HMP Millsike, the UK’s ‘first all-electric’ green prison, which will be powered by solar.
It will be the first prison in the UK to run completely on electricity. Alongside solar panels, heat pump technology will be implemented. This means it will use roughly a quarter of the energy needed to heat traditional Victorian prisons.
Improved, ultra-efficient LED lighting systems will also play a role in reducing energy use. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority pointed out in September that, aside from positive environmental impact, the improved energy efficiency of the project will reduce taxpayer energy costs by over £1m per year.
The Category C prison is the third new prison being built as part of the government’s £4 billion prison expansion programme. Over £117 million has been invested in the local community through the construction so far, and Mitie Care & Custody will employ over 500 people when the prison is operational.
The contract, worth £329 million, will begin when the prison opens in 2025. Mitie will provide a range of services, including skills programmes and drug treatment, to reduce the risk of reoffence.
Danny Spencer, managing director at Mitie Care & Custody, said: “With our experience delivering critical public services to support the immigration, justice and care sectors, as well as our expertise in facilities transformation and decarbonisation, we are excited to bring a modern and caring approach to prison management at this innovative new site.”
Prisons Minister Edward Argar said: “We are creating modern and secure prisons with rehabilitation at their heart so we can turn offenders lives around for good and cut crime and reoffending further.”
