The Ministry of Justice has signed its first main works order under the new Small Secure Houseblocks Programme.

Wates has secured the milestone order for a £100m expansion of HMP Onley in Warwickshire, making it the first in the new roll-out to move into construction.

The scheme will see 180 new category C places created across three 60-bed houseblocks, alongside a vocational training workshop and the refurbishment of existing kitchens, classrooms and offices.

The Small Secure Houseblocks plan is part of the government’s wider prison building programme aimed at easing capacity pressures with around 1,000 extra places.

More than 65% of the new blocks will be manufactured offsite using a standardised design to cut carbon, speed delivery and ensure consistent security standards.

Wates is working with Mace and Gleeds on the project, which is scheduled to complete by the end of 2026.