Kier has secured a £683.8m ($853.9m) contract from the Scottish Government to build a new prison in Glasgow, aimed at replacing the antiquated His Majesty's Prison (HMP) Barlinnie.
The project, set for completion in 2028, will see the construction of HMP Glasgow with a capacity of 1,344 inmates.
The new facility will be designed to enhance safety, reduce reoffending rates, and provide economic benefits to the local community.
The site is being repurposed to maximise the use of local labour and businesses.
Since October 2023, Kier has been carrying out preliminary work on the complex brownfield site, previously occupied by a gasworks company, to prepare for the main construction phase.
The existing HMP Barlinnie, built in 1880, was recently criticised for its apparently inadequate facilities.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons concluded in last year’s report that the prison’s infrastructure was not fit for purpose, and recommended a replacement.
The new prison is expected to deliver £450m in economic benefits to Glasgow, including the creation of 100 new positions, 50 apprenticeships, and employment opportunities for former inmates through Kier's Making Ground programme.
The company has also engaged with more than 1,000 local school children, promoting education and career opportunities in construction.
Scottish Prison Service CEO Teresa Medhurst said: "HMP Glasgow will have a transformative impact in how we support and rehabilitate people.
“It is an investment in our staff, in those in our care, and in Glasgow and Scotland as a whole, as we work with our partners to improve people’s futures and together build safer communities.
“I want to thank Scottish Government, for its continued support and investment, and everyone whose hard work has helped us reach this important milestone as we continue to develop a prison estate fit for the 21st century."
Kier's previous justice sector projects include HMP Millsike in Yorkshire and HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, both within England.
Last month, the company planned to begin the construction of 93 new homes as part of the latest phase of the Colville Estate regeneration in east London.
