Population 0 (as of January 2017) Governor Russ Trent | Managed by HM Prison Service Opened February 2017 | |
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Location Wrexham, Wrexham County Borough Capacity 2,106 (upon completion) Security class Prisoner security categories in the United Kingdom | ||
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HM Prison Berwyn ['bɛrwɪn]) is a £250 million Category C adult male prison in Wrexham County Borough, Wales. When fully operational it will become the joint biggest prison in the UK, alongside HMP Oakwood in the midlands.
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Name
The prison's name was announced by Governor Trent on 17 February 2016. The name Berwyn comes from the elements of Middle Welsh barr (head) and gwyn (white). A spokesperson for the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) said that the prison had been named after the Welsh mountain range. Other names considered include Bridgeway, Marcher, Cerrig Tan, Dee Vale and Whittlesham. These names were suggested by local schools, communities and historical societies.
Opening
The 2,106 capacity prison opened on 28 February 2017, located at the Wrexham Industrial Estate, Wales (c.f. Google map). It will be operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service although 34% of services will be outsourced. It is hoped that 1,000 jobs will be created upon opening Work started on the prison in May 2015. and recruitment of staff began at the end of October that year. The prison cost £250 m to build.
The governor is Russ Trent and who had previously served as the project director. One of Trent's first roles as governor was to give the prison its official name which was revealed on 17 February 2016 as HMP Berwyn. Trent has stated that the prison's goal is to work to rehabilitate the men in the prison, with a focus on a successful crime-free future.
Structure
The prison is split into 3 sections, the first opening in February 2017 and the other two expected before the autumn. Each section can hold different communities including one for armed forces veterans. Staff said they believe that the small community size would make management simpler.