HMP Millsike Prison: Your Complete Guide to East Yorkshire’s Newest Facility

Welcome to the ultimate guide to HMP Millsike Prison, the UK’s newest and most innovative correctional facility located in East Yorkshire. At PrisonGuide.co.uk, we aim to provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help families, friends, and researchers understand everything about HMP Millsike Prison. This guide covers general information, contact details, visiting procedures, directions, and more, ensuring you have all the details needed to stay connected with inmates or learn about this state-of-the-art prison.

HMP Millsike Prison

General Information About HMP Millsike Prison

HMP Millsike Prison is a groundbreaking Category C male prison that opened its doors in 2025, marking a significant step in the UK government’s plan to modernize the prison estate and address overcrowding. Located in the village of Full Sutton, near York, this facility is designed to set a new standard for correctional institutions, emphasizing rehabilitation, sustainability, and security. Named after the nearby Millsike Beck, a local river, HMP Millsike Prison is the first UK prison to operate entirely on electricity, utilizing solar panels and heat pump technology to reduce energy consumption by 75% compared to traditional prisons.

The prison, sprawling across an area equivalent to 39 football pitches, is operated by Mitie Care & Custody under a 10-year contract with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). It features advanced security measures, including barless windows, hundreds of CCTV cameras, and X-ray body scanners to combat smuggling of drugs, drones, and phones. With 24 workshops and training facilities, HMP Millsike Prison focuses on equipping inmates with skills like bricklaying, barbering, and carpentry to reduce reoffending rates and support reintegration into society.

The construction of HMP Millsike Prison created nearly 800 jobs, with an additional 600 roles generated during its operational phase, boosting the local economy in East Yorkshire. The facility is part of the government’s £2.3 billion 10-year prison capacity strategy, aiming to add 14,000 new prison places by 2031. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has praised HMP Millsike Prison as a benchmark for future jails, highlighting its role in addressing the prison capacity crisis while promoting rehabilitation.

What Is the Address of HMP Millsike Prison?

The official address for HMP Millsike Prison is:

HMP Millsike Prison
Full Sutton, York, East Yorkshire, YO41 1PS, United Kingdom

Situated adjacent to the maximum-security HMP Full Sutton, HMP Millsike Prison is easily accessible from York and surrounding areas. Visitors traveling by car can use the A1079 or A166 roads, with parking available for 257 staff and 121 visitors. The closest railway station is York, approximately 10 miles away, with bus and taxi services available for onward travel.

What Is the Telephone Number of HMP Millsike Prison?

As of the latest available information, the official telephone number for HMP Millsike Prison has not been publicly released by the Ministry of Justice or Mitie Care & Custody. Given that the prison is newly operational, contact details are still being established. For general inquiries, you can reach out to Mitie Care & Custody or the Ministry of Justice via their main switchboard:

  • Ministry of Justice Switchboard: 020 3334 3555
  • Mitie Care & Custody: Contact through their official website at www.mitie.com

We recommend checking the official GOV.UK website or Mitie’s careers page for updates on the specific telephone number for HMP Millsike Prison as it becomes available.

What Is the Email Address of HMP Millsike Prison?

Similarly, the specific email address for HMP Millsike Prison has not yet been published. For inquiries related to employment or general information, you can contact PeoplePlus, which manages education and training services at the prison:

PeoplePlus Email[email protected]

For visit bookings or inmate-related queries, check the GOV.UK prison finder page or Mitie’s official channels for updates. PrisonGuide.co.uk will update this guide as soon as the official email for HMP Millsike Prison is released.

What Is the Capacity of HMP Millsike Prison?

HMP Millsike Prison has a capacity to house approximately 1,500 male inmates. This makes it one of the largest Category C prisons in the UK, designed to accommodate offenders who are considered low-risk but still require secure conditions. The facility includes six cell blocks, a care and separation unit, and extensive rehabilitation facilities to support its large inmate population. The MoJ has implemented a phased approach to inmate intake, with the first prisoners arriving on April 23, 2025, and numbers increasing weekly to ensure a safe and stable ramp-up process.

How to Book a Prison Visit to HMP Millsike Prison

Visiting an inmate at HMP Millsike Prison requires advance booking, and the process is similar to other UK prisons. While specific booking details for HMP Millsike Prison are still being finalized, the standard procedure involves the following steps:

  1. Inmate Approval: The prisoner must add you to their approved visitor list. This process can take 1–3 days, and you’ll receive confirmation via email.
  2. Online Booking: Visits can typically be booked through the GOV.UK prison visits service at www.gov.uk/prison-visits.
  3. Telephone Booking: Once the prison’s booking line is available, you can call to schedule a visit. Check the GOV.UK website for updates on the booking number.
  4. Email Booking: Some prisons allow email bookings. Contact Mitie or PeoplePlus for the latest information on email options.

Requirements for Visitors:

  • Bring a valid form of ID (e.g., passport, driving license).
  • At least one visitor must be 18 or older.
  • Adhere to the prison’s dress code (no revealing clothing, no headwear unless for religious reasons).
  • Expect security checks, including rub-down searches and possible sniffer dog screenings.

Prohibited items, such as mobile phones, sharp objects, or unauthorized gifts, must be left in lockers or your vehicle. HMP Millsike Prison offers visitor parking and facilities like baby-changing areas and a canteen with snacks and drinks. For those eligible, financial assistance for travel costs may be available through the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme.

What Are the Visiting Times at HMP Millsike Prison?

As HMP Millsike Prison is newly operational, specific visiting times have not been publicly detailed. Based on standard practices for Category C prisons, visits are likely to be scheduled during the following times:

  • Weekdays: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
  • Weekends: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday)

These times are provisional and subject to change. Visitors should confirm the exact schedule by contacting the prison’s booking line or checking the GOV.UK prison visits page. Family visits and special events may also be offered throughout the year, details of which can be obtained by emailing the prison’s family support team once available.

When Did HMP Millsike Prison Open?

HMP Millsike Prison officially opened on March 28, 2025, with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood presiding over the ceremony. The first prisoners arrived on April 23, 2025, marking the start of its operational phase. Construction began in November 2021 by Kier Construction, and the prison was named HMP Millsike on February 27, 2023, following a public consultation. The facility is part of the government’s New Prisons Programme, following the construction of HMP Five Wells and HMP Fosse Way.

What Category Prison Is HMP Millsike Prison?

HMP Millsike Prison is a Category C male prison, designed for inmates who are unlikely to escape but cannot be housed in open conditions. Category C prisons focus on resettlement and rehabilitation, offering programs to prepare inmates for release. At HMP Millsike Prison, this includes educational courses (e.g., Functional Skills, IT, art, pottery) and vocational training (e.g., construction, barbering, barista skills, waste management). The prison’s 24 workshops and training facilities are tailored to reduce reoffending by equipping inmates with employable skills.

Directions: How to Get to HMP Millsike Prison

Located in Full Sutton, East Yorkshire, HMP Millsike Prison is accessible by car, train, and bus. Below are detailed directions to help you plan your journey to the prison, ensuring a smooth trip for visitors or those attending appointments.

By Car

HMP Millsike Prison is situated off the A1079, near the village of Full Sutton, approximately 10 miles east of York. The prison offers parking for 121 visitors and 257 staff members, with disabled parking spaces available. Here are directions from major nearby locations:

  • From York (10 miles, ~20 minutes): Take the A1079 eastbound towards Hull. Continue past Stamford Bridge, and after approximately 8 miles, turn left onto Moor Lane in Full Sutton. Follow signs for HMP Full Sutton and HMP Millsike Prison. The prison entrance is clearly marked.
  • From Hull (30 miles, ~45 minutes): Take the A1079 westbound towards York. Pass through Market Weighton and Pocklington. After Pocklington, continue for about 5 miles, then turn right onto Moor Lane in Full Sutton. Follow signs to the prison.
  • From Leeds (40 miles, ~1 hour): Take the A64 eastbound towards York, then merge onto the A1079 towards Hull. After passing Stamford Bridge, turn left onto Moor Lane in Full Sutton and follow signs to HMP Millsike Prison.

Parking Tips: Arrive early to secure a parking spot, as spaces may be limited during peak visiting hours. Avoid parking on nearby roads, as restrictions may apply. The car park includes CCTV surveillance for added security.

By Train

The nearest railway station to HMP Millsike Prison is York Station, approximately 10 miles away. York is well-connected to major cities, with regular services from London King’s Cross (2 hours), Leeds (25 minutes), and Manchester (1.5 hours). From York Station, you can continue your journey by bus, taxi, or car hire.

  • Train Operators: Services to York are operated by LNER, TransPennine Express, Northern, and CrossCountry. Book tickets in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk for the best fares.
  • From York Station: Exit the station and head to the taxi rank for a 15–20-minute ride to the prison (approximate cost: £15–£20). Alternatively, take a bus (see below) or hire a car from providers like Enterprise or Hertz, located near the station.

Travel Tip: Check train schedules and book tickets early, especially for weekend visits. If you’re eligible, the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme may cover train travel costs for qualifying visitors.

By Bus

Public bus services to Full Sutton are limited, but you can reach HMP Millsike Prison via buses from York or Pocklington, followed by a short taxi ride or walk. The closest bus stops are in Full Sutton village, about 1 mile from the prison.

  • From York: Take the East Yorkshire Bus X46 or X47 from York Station or Stonebow towards Hull. Get off at the Full Sutton, Main Street stop (journey time: ~30 minutes). From there, it’s a 15–20-minute walk to the prison along Moor Lane, or take a taxi (approximate cost: £5–£7). Bus timetables are available at www.eastyorkshirebuses.co.uk.
  • From Pocklington (5 miles): Take the East Yorkshire Bus 747 towards York and alight at Full Sutton. The journey takes about 10 minutes, followed by a short walk or taxi ride to the prison.
  • From Hull: Take the East Yorkshire Bus X46 or X47 towards York and get off at Full Sutton, Main Street (journey time: ~50 minutes). Then walk or take a taxi to the prison.

Bus Tips: Buses may not run frequently, especially on weekends, so check timetables in advance. Use the Moovit app (www.moovitapp.com) for real-time bus schedules and route planning. Consider a taxi from York for convenience if bus times don’t align with your visit.

By Taxi

Taxis are a convenient option for reaching HMP Millsike Prison, especially from York Station or nearby towns. Local taxi companies include:

  • Blue Line Taxis (York): 01904 623323
  • Pocklington Taxis: 01759 302255

Approximate Costs:

  • York Station to HMP Millsike Prison: £15–£20 (15–20 minutes)
  • Pocklington to HMP Millsike Prison: £8–£12 (10 minutes)
  • Hull to HMP Millsike Prison: £40–£50 (45 minutes)

Taxi Tips: Book in advance for return journeys, as taxis may not be readily available in Full Sutton. Ensure the driver knows the prison’s exact address (YO41 1PS) to avoid confusion with HMP Full Sutton.

Additional Travel Tips

  • Plan Ahead: Allow extra time for security checks at the prison, especially during your first visit. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visit.
  • Public Transport Apps: Use apps like Moovit or Citymapper for live transit updates, or visit www.yorkshiretravel.net for regional travel planning.
  • Assisted Travel: If you have mobility issues, contact the prison in advance to arrange accessible parking or assistance. The visitor center offers disabled access and facilities.
  • Cost Savings: Check if you qualify for the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme to reimburse travel costs. Visit www.gov.uk/help-with-prison-visits for eligibility and application details.

For the latest travel updates or road closures, check www.trafficengland.com for driving routes or National Rail Enquiries for train disruptions. PrisonGuide.co.uk will update this section as more specific transport information for HMP Millsike Prison becomes available.

Additional Information About HMP Millsike Prison

HMP Millsike Prison stands out for its innovative approach to incarceration, blending sustainability, security, and rehabilitation. Here are some additional details that make this facility unique:

  • Sustainability: As the UK’s first “green” prison, HMP Millsike Prison uses solar panels and heat pumps, saving an estimated £1 million annually in energy costs. Its modern design reduces maintenance costs compared to Victorian-era prisons like HMP Wormwood Scrubs.
  • Security Features: The prison is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including reinforced barless windows to deter drone smuggling, extensive CCTV coverage, and X-ray body scanners to prevent contraband. These measures enhance safety for both staff and inmates.
  • Rehabilitation Focus: Operated by Mitie Care & Custody, with education and training by PeoplePlus, HMP Millsike Prison offers a wide range of programs to support inmate reintegration. Courses include vocational training, substance abuse programs, and mental health support, all aimed at breaking the cycle of reoffending.
  • Economic Impact: The prison has created significant job opportunities in East Yorkshire, with 800 construction jobs and 600 operational roles. Over 40% of construction orders were sourced within 50 miles, supporting local businesses.
  • Community Engagement: The naming of HMP Millsike Prison involved local residents, reflecting its integration into the Full Sutton community. Despite initial objections from some locals, the prison is designed to foster an atmosphere of care and respect.

The MoJ has also produced a documentary, Building a Prison: Inside HMP Millsike, available on their YouTube channel, offering an in-depth look at the prison’s construction and facilities. This resource is valuable for anyone seeking to understand the vision behind HMP Millsike Prison.

Why HMP Millsike Prison Matters

HMP Millsike Prison represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s approach to criminal justice. With the prison system operating at over 99% capacity, facilities like HMP Millsike Prison are critical to ensuring public safety by providing space for violent offenders while addressing overcrowding. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has emphasized that building new prisons alone cannot solve the capacity crisis, advocating for sentencing reforms to complement infrastructure investments. The prison’s focus on rehabilitation aligns with this broader strategy, aiming to reduce crime and create safer communities.

For families and friends of inmates, HMP Millsike Prison offers hope through its emphasis on education and skill-building. Programs like those offered by PeoplePlus empower inmates to rebuild their lives, fostering stronger family connections and reducing the likelihood of reoffending. The prison’s modern facilities, from visitor-friendly amenities to secure communication systems, make it easier for loved ones to stay in touch.

How to Stay Updated on HMP Millsike Prison

As HMP Millsike Prison continues to ramp up operations, new information about contact details, visiting procedures, and programs will become available. PrisonGuide.co.uk is committed to keeping this guide current, so check back regularly for updates. You can also follow these steps to stay informed:

  • Visit the GOV.UK prison finder page for official announcements.
  • Check Mitie’s website (www.mitie.com) for job openings and operational updates.
  • Contact PeoplePlus at [email protected] for education and training details.
  • Subscribe to PrisonGuide.co.uk’s newsletter for the latest prison news and guides.

If you have specific questions about HMP Millsike Prison, such as sending letters, inmate property, or approved retailers for books, contact the prison directly once contact details are released or refer to the GOV.UK guidance on prisoner communication.

Conclusion

HMP Millsike Prison is more than just a correctional facility; it’s a forward-thinking institution that prioritizes sustainability, security, and rehabilitation. With a capacity for 1,500 inmates, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on reducing reoffending, it sets a new standard for UK prisons. Whether you’re planning a visit, seeking contact information, or researching the prison’s role in East Yorkshire, this guide provides everything you need to know about HMP Millsike Prison. Stay connected with PrisonGuide.co.uk for the latest updates and resources to support you and your loved ones.