Balfour Beatty locks up £209 million net zero prison deal

Balfour Beatty had already been appointed to deliver the pre-construction phase of HMP Highland in Inverness, Scotland, including its design, in 2022.

Now it has locked up the latest phase, valued at £119 million (US$150.9 million), which will see it move on with the construction of the 18,500 sq m facility.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, HMP Highland will be the first net zero prison in Scotland and will comprise two new interconnected buildings and associated infrastructure.

It will run off renewable energy sources such as ground source heat pumps, while Balfour Beatty will also use modular construction methods to preassemble the internal wall panels and perimeter walls offsite.

Balfour Beatty said it had also committed to spending £60 million US$76.1 million) with local supply chain partners and businesses throughout the duration of the project.

On completion, HMP Highland will replace Inverness Prison and will accommodate 200 prisoners, becoming the first new prison in the area – serving the Highlands, Islands and Moray – for more than a century.

Hector MacAulay, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, said, “We are delighted to continue working alongside the Scottish Prison Service as we move into the construction phase of this significant and important project.

“We will draw on our extensive expertise in modern methods of construction, and our unrivalled local knowledge, to deliver this groundbreaking, best-in-class facility which will become the first net zero prison in Scotland.”

At construction peak, Balfour Beatty will employ 250 people with 5% of its workforce made up of apprentices, graduates, and trainees to support its commitment to The 5% Club.