Kier Construction has been awarded a £683.8m contract by the Scottish Government to deliver a new, state-of-the-art prison in Glasgow.

The new prison, HMP Glasgow, will replace the existing HMP Barlinnie, which was built in 1880 and has been deemed unfit for purpose.

"It's an honour to be awarded the contract to deliver this critical project," said Rebecca Boundy, public sector director at Kier Construction. "We will build a sustainable, state-of-the-art facility while ensuring that local communities, schools and charities directly benefit both now and in the future."

Located near the centre of Glasgow, the new prison will have a capacity of 1,344 inmates and is expected to be completed in 2028. Kier has been on site since October 2023 undertaking early works on the brownfield site.


The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Glasgow community, with Kier aiming to create 100 new jobs during construction, including 50 apprenticeships and 40 jobs for prison leavers through its Making Ground programme.

"HMP Glasgow is a bold vision for the future of our prisons that will help reduce reoffending and deliver a considerable economic boost for the city and beyond," said Justice Secretary Angela Constance. "The new modern establishment will replace a Victorian age prison that is no longer fit for purpose. It will increase prison capacity and transform how prisoners are rehabilitated, as well as considerably improving staff working conditions."

Kier has a strong track record in delivering justice projects, including HMP Millsike in Yorkshire and HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, both of which incorporated innovative off-site construction techniques.

The HMP Glasgow project was procured through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework.