HMP Millsike, the new super-prison located opposite HMP Full Sutton, has been officially named after the nearby Millsike Beck river, highlighting its strong local connection.
This prison is set to be the first in the UK to operate entirely on electricity. Utilizing advanced solar panels and heat pump technology, HMP Millsike will consume only a quarter of the energy required to heat older Victorian prisons such as HMP Wormwood Scrubs. This innovative green approach is expected to save taxpayers more than £1 million annually while maintaining public safety.
Prisons Minister Damian Hinds commented, “Naming this site puts us one step closer to our new prison playing its vital role in protecting the public and cutting crime. This is a vital advancement towards our goal of creating 20,000 modern, innovative places.”
Beyond environmental benefits, the new prison will significantly boost the local economy. Upon completion, HMP Millsike will create over 500 new prison jobs and hundreds more in construction roles. Additionally, 40% of construction contracts have been awarded to firms located within 50 miles, injecting funds into the local supply chain.
Construction company Kier is also pioneering social impact by employing approximately 50 ex-offenders, offering them a fresh start even before the prison opens its doors.
This development is part of a broader prison reform initiative. It follows the opening of HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough last year, Britain’s first ‘smart’ prison. Furthermore, HMP Fosse Way, a 1,700-place facility in Leicestershire, is scheduled to open this spring. The government remains on track to deliver 20,000 modern prison places under its ambitious Prisons Strategy White Paper, aimed at reducing crime and improving offender rehabilitation.
Originally published by UKNIP.
