Parklea prison upgrade reaches halfway point

The upgrade, which will provide beds for 500 extra maximum-security inmates, is set to help accommodate for NSW’s rising prison population.

• Three firms short-listed to run Parklea prison

Parklea Correctional Centre’s expansion is at the halfway point, as it creates space for hundreds of extra prisoners.

The upgrade will include a 500-bed maximum security ward, 16 audio-visual suits for remote court appearances, a new visiting area, health clinic, kitchen and Corrective Services Industries building. The existing gatehouse will also be revamped.

Parklea Corrections Facility general photos from around the entrance as they prepare for an end to smoking in the prison.

Corrections Minister David Elliott said work on two of the four accommodation blocks is completed, with the upgrade scheduled for a late 2019 finish.

“The new facility is creating hundreds of jobs during construction, and is in addition to the 150 minimum-security bed facility recently opened on this site,” Mr Elliott said.

Corrections Minister David Elliot said the expansion had provided jobs in the area. Picture: Tim Pascoe

In total the upgrade will allow Parklea to house an extra 650 prisoners, as NSW’s prison population continues to rise.

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data from March showed the state’s prison population grew 4.2 per cent in the previous 12 months — or 539 people — taking the total number of prisoners to 13,494.

That growth came from a spike in prisoners being remanded in custody (338 people) and an increase in the number of defendants being sentenced to jail (2.4 per cent).

Artist impression of the planned expansion at Parklea prison

It is due for completion in late 2019.

Corrective Services NSW commissioner Peter Severin said adding 500 maximum-security beds to the system will allow for more remand inmates to be held close to metropolitan courts.

“This project is part of reforms that are helping to deliver a prison system that accommodates more inmates, operates more efficiently, and has a greater focus on rehabilitation, without compromising safety and security,” Mr Severin said.

The basketball court at Parklea prison.

Mr Elliott said three companies were competing for the right to run the prison “under a strengthened contract” from April 1, 2019.

“Security and inmate rehabilitation will be the continued focus for the centre’s operations and Corrective Services NSW will work closely with the new operator to ensure this is a priority,” he said.