By JONATHAN CHADWICK FOR MAILONLINE
A zero-emissions ‘smart prison’ powered by solar energy that gives prisoners tablets and laptops in their cells is set to open in 2025.
Construction firm Kier will begin building the Category C facility in Full Sutton, East Yorkshire this autumn at a cost of £400 million, the government has announced.
Government said the new facility – the most expensive British prison yet – will be designed ‘from top-to-bottom with the latest smart technology to cut crime and protect the public’.
Innovations will include in-cell devices for prisoners including laptops and tablets, as well as ‘cutting-edge’ security systems and an all-electric design.
In response to potential concerns the public may have with regard to prisoners accessing devices, a spokesperson for HM Prison Service said: ‘All in-cell technology is fitted out with tough security measures and cannot be used to browse the internet.
‘Providing prisoners with laptops and tablets to access education and training so they can find work on release is proven to cut crime.’
Construction firm Kier will begin building the Category C prison this autumn. Pictured is an artist’s impression of the new facility from the firm
