Chance to name new prison in Glen Parva

All residents are encouraged to send in name suggestions for the new 1,700-place jail, set to open in 2023, that embrace the history and culture of the area.

Earlier this week, the government set out its strategy on how modern jails – like the one in Glen Parva – will cut reoffending and protect the public by giving prisoners the education, skills and addiction support they need to live crime-free lives.

The development is part of a £4 billion programme that will see 20,000 additional prison places created by the mid-2020s.

The site has already created 230 jobs and 16 apprenticeships during construction and when open, it is expected to offer more than 600 jobs – providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Prisons Minister Victoria Atkins, said:

We want our new, modern prison in Glen Parva to be rooted in its community. That’s why we are extending an invitation to local people to help choose its name.

The prison will create hundreds of jobs when open – giving a major boost to the local economy and helping to protect the public.

The names will be narrowed down to a shortlist of potential options, with a panel of local representatives deciding on the final winner.

The name must then be formally agreed by Her Majesty The Queen, the Secretary of State for Justice Dominic Raab, and the Prisons Minister.

This follows a similar competition launched in Wellingborough (Northamptonshire), where another jail is due to open early next year.

In October 2020, it was revealed that ‘HMP Five Wells’ was chosen by the local community in Wellingborough, paying homage to the five historic wells surrounding the town and which appear on its coat of arms.

Construction of the new category C prison at Glen Parva began in August 2020 and is being built on the site of the previous HMP/YOI Glen Parva, which closed in 2017.

Note to editors

• The scheme to name the new prison in Glen Parva is at no cost to the taxpayer.
• Those interested in taking part can send their entries to glenparvaenquiries@justice.gov.uk by Friday 21 January 2022.