Wates has completed work on a new wing at HMP Stocken with the Ministry of Justice.

The new wing will provide much-needed prison places for the Ministry of Justice, with a focus on enabling the rehabilitation of prisoners.

An event to open the wing was held and attended by representatives of the Ministry of Justice; and representatives from Wates Group, Aecom, Toyota, Chevron, DHL, People Plus and Practice Plus.

The prison population in England and Wales is currently extremely high, and the Government is undertaking a number of projects to increase capacity. The new wing at HMP Stocken has delivered a new three-storey houseblock with an additional 214 Category C prison places, available for the Ministry of Justice to use immediately.


The new wing is equipped with servery, laundry and inmate cooking facilities. Other facilities to aid prisoner rehabilitation included enhanced classroom space, a purpose-built workshop facility, increased healthcare provision and a repurposed Fitness Facility.

The expansion has provided a new workshop in partnership with shipping and logistics company DHL. This partnership will provide meaningful activity for prisoners and help to rehabilitate them ready for release. This is part of the Ministry of Justice’s ongoing efforts to reduce reoffending and keep the public safe.