The existing prison facilities at HMP Thameside are set to undergo improvements.

Serco, who run HMP Thameside on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, handed Skanska a £3.6 million contract to build a replacement pharmacy and a new Video Court Centre on the site. This will also involve the required mechanical and engineering works.

Work will take place over 10 months, with completion expected in November 2020.

Skanska has worked with Serco on a number of similar projects, and has a longstanding relationship with HMP Thameside – having completed the existing prison buildings at the beginning of 2012, as well as an extension that created 332 additional prisoner places in 2015.

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Steve Holbrook, Managing Director at Skanska, said: "We are pleased to be working with HMP Thameside again. We know the customer and the facility well, having worked with them in the past, and Skanska's experience in the custodial sector means we understand how to deliver for the customer without adversely affecting the operation of the existing prison."

Trish Mitchell, Serco Contract Director at HMP Thameside added: "Serco is delighted to be working once more with Skanska on these improvements in the prison.

"At HMP Thameside we look after a complex group of men who are at a very vulnerable point in their lives. Many face health issues and improving the pharmacy will help the way that we and our healthcare partners Oxleas support them.

"The new video conference facilities will mean fewer movements and disruption to the daily routine of the prison, which will help reduce tension.

"Together these improvements will help us to run a safe establishment."