Interserve PFI Holdings has an equal one third equity share in this project along with it's consortium partners Sodexho Investment Services Ltd (the investment arm of UKDS's parent company, Sodexho Alliance SA) and Royal Bank Project Investments Ltd (the investment arm of the Royal Bank of Scotland).

The contract was awarded by Her Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS) in December 2002 to design, build and operate a new, all-women category B prison in Ashford, Middlesex.

This was the first new women's prison to be built in the UK since Holloway Prison, in 1971. Over recent years understanding of female prisoners' needs and the importance of rehabilitation has developed and is reflected in the design. Therefore in addition to the normal amenities, such as healthcare and religious activities, HMP Shortwood, as the project became known, has several other features including a mother-and-baby unit. Externally the prison has a compact design and occupies less land than was anticipated in the Outline Planning Consent. Other environmental issues were also considered, including extensive landscaping to create public access to the River Ash and the adjoining parkland.

The prison has a capacity of 450 places and offers a mainly local service accommodating prisoners on remand, serving short sentences or waiting to serve longer terms at other prisons after sentencing.

Interserve were responsible for the design and construction of the prison, which completed on time for the Prison to recieve its first inmates in June 2004. Upon completion UKDS became the long-term facility manager for the 25-year service contract.

Read the contract announcement

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