HM Prison Kennet
53°31′08″N 2°54′50″W / 53.519°N 2.914°W
 | |
| Location | Maghull, Liverpool, Merseyside |
|---|---|
| Security class | Adult Male/Category C |
| Population | 342 (as of December 2007) |
| Opened | 2007 |
| Managed by | HM Prison Services |
| Governor | Derek Harrison |
| Website | Kennet at justice.gov.uk |
HM Prison Kennet is a Category C men's prison, located in Parkbourn, Maghull, in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton in Merseyside, England. The prison is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service. The prison is due to close in 2017.
History
Faced with overcrowding in regional prisons, the National Offender Management Service in December 2006 planned a new facility on the East Site of Ashworth Hospital, which it leases from MerseyCare NHS Trust. The site of the new prison and surrounding area were known locally as Kennet Heath, so the name Kennet was adopted for the prison.
The prison was converted from the existing medical buildings at a cost of £19 million. It began accepting inmates in September 2007, but was officially opened in February 2008.[1]
In April 2010, The Howard League for Penal Reform rated Kennet as the most overcrowded prison in England and Wales. The prison was found to be running at 193% capacity.[2]
In May 2016 it was announced that the National Offender Management Service will close Kennet Prison by July 2017, less than 10 years after it opened. Reasons for closure include high operation costs and difficulties with the design and operation of the prison. After closure the site will be returned to Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.[3]
The prison today
Kennet Prison holds Category C adult males from the surrounding area. Accommodation at the prison is divided between seven units, predominantly containing double occupancy cells with integral sanitation, showers on all landings, purpose built serveries, and association facilities. There is also an additional segregation unit.
The prison offers workshops, training and education to all prisoners. Workshops include Bricklaying, Plastering, Construction and Joinery, as well as Painting and Decorating. Education courses include Information Technology, Business Studies, Art and Design, Catering and Media Studies.
There is a visitors centre at Kennet Prison, with facilities including a children's play area and refreshments. There is access for disabled visitors throughout the visitors area.
References
- ^ "UK | England | Merseyside | New prison opened in Merseyside". BBC News. 2008-02-01. Retrieved 2012-08-07.
- ^ "Most overcrowded prisons revealed by Howard League". BBC News. 2010-04-30. Retrieved 2012-08-07.
- ^ "HMP Kennet: Government to close overcrowded prison". BBC News.
