Kier has secured a contract with the UK's Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to undertake the expansion of His Majesty's Prison (HMP) Channings Wood, a Category C men's prison located near Newton Abbot in Devon, England, UK.  

The expansion project is a part of the Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme alliance contract, which has been awarded to Kier and Wates. 

This alliance was procured through the Crown Commercial Service Framework. Kier was provided with the expansion projects at HMP Bullingdon and Elmley as a result of the framework. 

Kier commenced work at HMP Elmley earlier this year. 

Kier Construction group managing director Stuart Togwell said: "Kier is proud to be supporting the [Ministry of] Justice projects across the UK. We are delighted to be delivering the expansion at HMP Channings Wood in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, where we will use our extensive experience to deliver this project efficiently and sustainably." 

The new expansion at HMP Channings Wood aims to add 494 new prison places through the construction of energy-efficient, fully electric T60 houseblocks. 

These houseblocks are part of Kier's commitment to delivering 15 such structures across various MOJ estates.  

The houseblocks will be constructed using the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) methodology, which involves prefabricating components off site.  

Furthermore, Kier is set to construct a workshop at HMP Channings Wood, designed to provide prisoners with the support and skills for rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. 

The project will also serve the local community by offering employment opportunities, including apprenticeships.  

Kier's Making Ground programme will extend job offers to individuals released from prison on temporary licences, facilitating their reintegration into the workforce.