Design and construction of 260-cell extension at HMP Lowdham Grange will be contractor's second prison deal this year

Skanska has won a £52m prisons contract in Nottingham, in its second deal in the sector this year.

The contractor will design and construct a 260-cell extension at HMP Lowdham Grange, a category B training prison in Nottinghamshire. Skanska will also undertake construction of a 2,900m2, two-storey building to be used for education and vocational training.

The contract marks a return to HMP Lowdham Grange for Skanska, which was responsible for the design and construction of the original 500-place prison in 1995-97, as well as a 128-place extension, completed in 2007.

Capita is lead architect on the scheme, with HBS as M&E consultant and Watermans providing CDM co-ordination.

Construction will begin in July 2008, with completion of the main works in early 2010 and of the total scheme in summer 2010.

David Tydeman, executive vice-president of Skanska UK, said, “The award of this contract at HMP Lowdham Grange and the award of HMP Dovegate earlier this year reinforce Skanska's commitment to the custodial sector.

“Our experience in developing custodial facilities spans over a decade and is a key part of our overall strategy of being a leading contractor in the construction of essential social and community infrastructure in the UK.”