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Kier to reuse MMC design on new prison contract
Cristina Lago Deputy Editor
The expansion of HMP Channings Wood will follow the X-shaped T60 houseblocks design already used by Kier at HMP Five Wells (above) (Image: Kier)
Kier will use modern methods of construction (MMC) with components manufactured off site for the expansion of a prison in Devon.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) appointed the contractor to create an additional 494 places at HMP Channings Wood, a Category C men’s prison near Newton Abbot.
The contract includes the delivery of two new fully-electric X-shaped T60 houseblocks to support the MoJ’s carbon reduction commitments.
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The T60 design is an adaptation of the 4-storey design used on new prison builds. The MoJ claims that it is the most modern and fit-for-purpose prison design "enabling repeatability and therefore cost efficiency across all sites".
T60 was specifically designed to improve safety, reduce violence and rehabilitate offenders.
Job opportunities for ex-offenders
Kier has already delivered a prison for the MoJ, HMP Five Wells, and has ongoing projects at HMP Millsike, HMP Elmley and HMP Bullingdon.
Kier completed HMP Five Wells in 2021 and features state-of-the-art technology and a building management system able to provide live data.
During the construction of HMP Channings Wood, Kier said it will provide jobs for prison leavers through its 'Making Ground programme', which offers work to prisoners released on a temporary licence.
The expansion of HMP Channings Wood is part of the £500m Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme contract which was awarded to Kier and Wates in 2022. The scheme includes the building of new houseblocks at six prisons to accommodate more than 2,200 offenders.
The January/February 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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