HMP Highpoint set to become UK’s biggest public prison after massive expansion
700 New Beds to Boost Capacity by Over 50%
A huge expansion at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk will see the prison become the largest public sector jail in the UK. Three brand new, four-storey houseblocks will add 700 new places by summer 2027, increasing capacity by over 50%.
The new blocks aren’t just for lockdown—they’ll feature fresh workshops and teaching facilities to give inmates real skills for life after prison.
This expansion forms part of the government’s bold plan to add 14,000 new prison places by 2031 to keep dangerous criminals off our streets.
Government Pledges Tough Action on Crime
Lord James Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, said:
“This government is fixing the broken prison system it inherited—wasting no time in getting shovels in the ground to deliver the spaces needed to protect the public.
These new houseblocks have been designed with a laser focus on cutting crime and are a major step in our plan to deliver 14,000 more prison places by 2031.
But we cannot simply build our way out of this crisis, which is why we’re also reviewing sentencing so we can lock up dangerous offenders, cut crime, and make our streets safer.”
Local Boss Welcomes Expansion and Jobs Boost
HMP Highpoint Governor Nigel Smith added:
“The expansion at Highpoint will provide much-needed prisoner places in our region.
The new accommodation will create 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 look forward to working with our contractors to get things delivered.”
Big Economic Boost for East Anglia
Construction is underway with Wates Group leading the build. Hundreds of jobs will be created during the build, plus over 200 permanent prison jobs once finished.
- 30% of materials and subcontractors sourced within 50 miles to support local businesses
- 2,000 prison-made building components used, giving offenders practical work experience
Phil Shortman, Regional Managing Director at Wates Group, said:
“We are proud to be involved in this major programme delivering much-needed prison spaces. This project not only expands capacity but also provides meaningful employment opportunities for offenders, equipping them with valuable skills for their future.”
Part of a £2.3 Billion UK-Wide Prison Overhaul
The Highpoint build is just one piece of a sweeping £2.3 billion plan that includes:
- 6,400 new places from houseblock builds like Highpoint’s
- 6,500 new spaces via entirely new prisons
- HMP Millsike in Yorkshire with 1,500 places, opening soon
- 1,000 rapid deployment cells across the country
- £500 million for maintenance and upgrades of existing jails
Keeping Communities Safer for Good
Launched in December 2024, this 10-year strategy runs alongside the Independent Sentencing Review to make sure the UK keeps the most dangerous criminals behind bars, while driving down reoffending with rehab schemes.
With HMP Highpoint becoming the country’s largest public sector prison, the government is doubling down on its commitment to crime reduction and public safety.
