Integra Buildings, specialists in modular building, have designed a modular custodial cell intended to relieve the overcrowded prison system
Integra Buildings, a Yorkshire-based construction business, has designed a modular prison cell system that allows for easy and quick construction to fight overcrowding. This is also an effort to alleviate the pressure on new prison construction.
The cells are equipped with a shower, toilet, and washbasin.
The prison overcrowding issue is a serious topic for the Labour government
Shortly after becoming Prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer said on prison overcrowding: “The situation is worse than I thought it was. I’m pretty shocked that it’s been allowed to get into that situation. It’s reckless to allow them to get into that place.”
Soon after, Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that, due to overcrowding and being unable to build more prisons before the situation reaches a breaking point, thousands of prisoners will be released early especially from prisons so overcrowded that they’re “on the brink of collapse”.
Modular cells can speed up the building process
Integra’s modular prison cells could be instrumental in fighting overcrowding in the longer term through easier expansion.
The system offers flexibility, with cells being able to come as single units, as conjoined units, and being able to be stacked.
The modular design also reduces cost and construction times, meaning that renovation of old prisons or construction of news ones will be sped up considerably.
Integra’s managing director, Chris Turner, said: “Prisons overcrowding is without doubt an issue of significant public concern and a major priority for the new Government.
“We believe modular construction can and should play an important part in addressing this issue.
“Our unit is ready to be manufactured and rolled out right now. Modular construction has numerous advantages over traditional building methods and we have a bespoke, fully-tested unit which can help tackle the prisons overcrowding crisis, as well as being deployed in other custodial settings.”
