New Inverness prison designs are unveiled to the public
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ARTISTS’ impressions of the new Inverness prison have had their first public airing.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) unveiled the designs for the first time at a consultation event in Inshes yesterday.
It follows its announcement earlier this year that a site close to the Inverness Shopping retail park is its preferred option for the £66 million facility that will replace the current Porterfield prison.
It is understood the new HMP Highland will be capable of accommodating more than 200 prisoners, while the Edwardian-era Porterfield is designed for 103 but according to the SPS regularly averages around 117 inmates.
The prison service is looking to gauge public opinion for its latest proposals after abandoning previous plans to site the new facility in Milton of Leys, following a huge outcry from residents there.
If it goes ahead the new prison will serve the Highlands and Islands and Moray, and include facilities for family help and a community integration unit in addition to a prison block.
SPS spokesman Tom Fox said: “It’s an innovative design and probably not what people are expecting.
“We’re anxious to ensure it fits in as best as possible with the local environment and we’re sure it will be an important part of the local justice community for the north of Scotland.”
At the same time as Inverness’s prison could be on the move, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service is also progressing with its own relocation plans after an application was recently approved to create a new £23 million justice centre on Longman Road in the city.
That will see the court service move from Inverness Castle to sit alongside other justice organisations and voluntary groups including facilities to support victims and witnesses of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
