Wates marks construction milestone on HMP Wayland expansion

By Adrian NorthPublished On: July 31st, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Wates has marked a major construction milestone on the expansion of HMP Wayland in Norfolk, with the project set to deliver 247 additional prison places as part of the Government’s Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme (AHDP).

Construction began in August 2025 and is progressing on a new four-storey houseblock alongside a 1,200-capacity kitchen that will serve the entire prison.

The development forms part of the Government’s wider programme to create 14,000 additional prison places across England and Wales, with the AHDP contributing more than 2,800 places through the expansion of existing prison sites.

Representatives from Wates, the Ministry of Justice and project partners attended a groundbreaking event to mark progress on the scheme.

The new accommodation will be constructed using standardised designs and pre-manufactured components to improve delivery efficiency through modern methods of construction (MMC).

The building will be fully electric and is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating or higher to support the Ministry of Justice’s sustainability objectives.

Construction project combines prison expansion with skills and employment opportunities

Alongside the new accommodation, the project includes facilities designed to support rehabilitation and employment pathways.

Tutor-led classroom sessions will help prisoners develop vocational skills, particularly in construction, while industrial workshops will provide training leading to qualifications including CSCS cards and NVQs.

The expansion also includes an all-weather sports pitch and dedicated outdoor exercise areas intended to support wellbeing and personal development.

As part of its social value commitments, Wates will employ 10 prison leavers through the project, either directly or through its supply chain, with structured support provided for at least six months.

The contractor has also delivered more than 3,500 hours of training, created 11 apprenticeships, completed 250 hours of volunteering within the local community and engaged more than 300 students through education initiatives in schools and colleges.

Mark Craig, Managing Director for Wates Construction South, said: “HMP Wayland represents a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Justice to deliver modern, high-quality prison facilities.

“This expansion will provide much-needed additional capacity, while creating an environment that supports rehabilitation, skills development and long-term reintegration.

“The groundbreaking event was a powerful moment to reflect on the wider impact of this work, including hearing from Ric Renton, and the role organisations such as Liberty Kitchen and Combat4Coffee play in supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.”

Government prison building programme continues

The event also featured writer and actor Ric Renton, who spoke about his experiences of the prison system and the role education played in his rehabilitation, alongside organisations Liberty Kitchen and Combat2Coffee, which support prisoners in developing employment skills before release.

Kevin Clark, Governor at HMP Wayland, said:”The expansion at Wayland will provide much-needed prisoner places in our region.

“The new accommodation will provide a safe and secure environment for us to rehabilitate prisoners and get them ready for release. We are pleased that the construction work has officially begun and we look forward to working with our contractors to get things delivered.”

The HMP Wayland expansion is one of a series of projects being delivered through the Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme, which aims to increase prison capacity using standardised construction methods while supporting skills development, sustainability and long-term operational efficiency.