HMP Lancaster Farms set for expansion to meet ‘unprecedented’ demand

Proposals for the category C prison would increase the facility’s current capacity by 120 new beds, to a total of around 670.

Lancaster City Council is expected to approve the Ministry of Justice’s proposals to expand HMP Lancaster Farms at a planning meeting next Monday.

The Mace-designed scheme would see the creation of two house blocks on the existing prison site, located off Far Moor Lane. Measuring 8,200 sq ft each, the buildings would provide accommodation for a total of 120 inmates.

The scheme would increase the prison’s capacity by 120 inmates. Credit: via planning documents

Proposals also include the delivery of an 18,800 sq ft workshop, featuring three smaller light industrial areas measuring 1,200 sq ft each and a teaching block made up of six classrooms.

Two 1,400 sq ft storage buildings would also sit next to and serve the workshop.

The workshop would be served by two storage units. Credit: via planning documents

These buildings would be built on the plot currently occupied by a sports pitch, which would be replaced by a standard-sized seven-a-side pitch to be used as a multi-use games area.

An ever-growing population means that the prison population is forecast to reach “unprecedented levels” over the next 10 years, according to a planning statement. Therefore, the development intends to provide additional prison spaces to meet this increasing demand.

Cushman & Wakefield is advising the MoJ on the plans. The project team also includes Plowman Craven, Fabrik, Groundsure Insights, E3P, and Robert West.

To learn more about the plans search for application number 23/00818/GOV on Lancaster City Council’s planning portal.