HMP Welland Oaks

Working closely with Wates Construction, a nationally recognised, tier-one construction and fit out business, trusted to deliver complex refurbishment and build projects across a broad spectrum of sectors, the MoJ and wider project team from the outline planning approval stage we’ve developed the masterplan into a comprehensive technical delivery package, enhancing design with a human-centred approach for the new prison. The site is organised into three distinct yet connected zones, supporting safety and security alongside prisoner rehabilitation. Collaborative design reviews have allowed complex functions to be streamlined into, efficient building designs. From the Entrance Resource Hub to the centralised services, workshops and carefully planned houseblocks, HMP Welland Oaks will provide a secure, and modern Category B prison.  

We approached HMP Welland Oaks’ design with nature in mind. We have designed an all-electric, energy-efficient prison that goes well beyond expectations.

The overarching design principle is to create a prison estate that promotes safety, wellbeing and rehabilitation through a high-quality landscape setting. 

The arrival sequence sets the tone for the development, with landscaped parking areas and a generous entrance plaza creating a clear and welcoming gateway to the site. A dedicated courtyard provides a sheltered setting for family visits, incorporating seating, planting and children’s play facilities to support meaningful social interaction and family connection. 

Each houseblock has access to sports and recreation facilities, such as gym equipment and a multi-use games area (MUGA), supporting physical activity and wellbeing. A full-size all-weather sports pitch provides space for organised recreation. 

The landscape strategy has been designed to enhance biodiversity across the site, incorporating meadow grassland habitats and native tree, hedgerow and woodland planting around the perimeter. Sustainable drainage features integrated within prisoner-free areas contribute to water management while creating a visually rich and natural setting for the environment.