We’ve designed a secure, efficient and rehabilitative environment that supports better outcomes for inmates, staff and society. Delivered faster and smarter through collaboration, innovation and offsite construction – it’s a blueprint for meaningful change.
HMP Five Wells
- Client: The Ministry of Justice
- Location: Wellingborough, Leicestershire
- Value: £120million
Services
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Landscape architecture
- Masterplanning and urban design
Setting a new standard
We delivered architecture, landscape, interior design and masterplanning services, working as one integrated team to create a cohesive, purpose-driven environment that supports rehabilitation, operational efficiency and long-term value.
Our design was based on HLM’s extensive experience in the justice sector, the latest academic research, and national and international exemplars. The success of the project relied on our integrated approach embedding sustainability and social value. We applied our DfMA expertise to streamline delivery, while our landscape and interiors teams shaped spaces that feel secure yet humane.
Together, we’ve created a blueprint that balances functionality with dignity – setting a new standard for future prison design.
Social value
Beyond delivering a secure and efficient facility, we worked with the Ministry of Justice and Kier to embed long-term social value.
Our design supports rehabilitation through humane environments, meaningful activity spaces, and improved staff-prisoner relationships.
We prioritised offsite construction to reduce disruption and create local employment opportunities. Our landscape and interior design teams shaped spaces that promote wellbeing and dignity.
By aligning physical, cultural and regime design, we’ve helped set a new benchmark for future prisons – a catalyst for positive change that delivers lasting impact for individuals, communities and society.
DfMA expertise
We applied our DfMA expertise to reduce waste, cut carbon and accelerate delivery, achieving a 22% faster build with 80% standardised components.
Using our in-house digital toolkit, we modelled environmental performance early, enabling smarter decisions across architecture, landscape and interiors. Our R&D informed material choices and passive design strategies that go beyond compliance. In collaboration with our client and contractor, we aligned sustainability goals with operational efficiency and long-term value.
The delivery of this large-scale project demonstrates the capabilities of offsite construction in efficiently addressing complex, bespoke designs.
Sustainability data
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The build has been delivered almost 22% faster than traditional construction methods
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The standardisation of components – which makes up 80% of the build – allowed for greater efficiency in delivery, greater quality control and reduced onsite labour
