What is the largest prison in the UK?

HM Prison Berwyn: Inside the UK’s Largest Prison

Nestled in North Wales, the HM Prison Berwyn stands as a testament to contemporary prison infrastructure in the UK. Opening its gates in 2017, it proudly claims the title of the UK’s largest prison facility, boasting a capacity that rivals the combined capacity of all four South Wales prisons.

Location: HM Prison Berwyn Bridge Road, Wrexham Industrial Estate, North Wales, LL13 9QE.

History and Name: Announced by its then-Governor Russ Trent in February 2016, the prison was named after the Berwyn mountain range. The name “Berwyn” draws its roots from Middle Welsh, translating to ‘white summit.’ The decision came after considering a myriad of suggestions from local communities, schools, and historical societies, with names like Bridgeway, Marcher, and Dee Vale making the shortlist.

What is the largest prison in the UK

Structure and Operation: The £250 million facility, governed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, is segmented into three primary housing sections: Bala, Alwen, and Ceiriog. The inaugural house, Bala, began operations in early 2017, followed by the other two in the fall of the same year.

Designed to be both efficient and cost-effective, the prison aimed to house 2,100 men at a projected operational cost of £14,000 per inmate. However, by 2019, the prison was functioning at only 60% capacity, costing £36,000 per inmate annually.

Facilities and Amenities: HMP Berwyn showcases a diverse range of facilities aimed at rehabilitation and skill development. The grounds include:

13 specialized workshops.
An education centre and a state-of-the-art resettlement hub.
A wellness centre, pharmacy, gym, and a full-sized sports hall accompanied by a floodlit football pitch.
Multi-faith chaplaincy support.
A dedicated care and support unit and a kitchen.
Advanced visitation and administrative facilities.

Each room, whether single or shared, is equipped with a shower, toilet, basin, and an outgoing call facility. Inmates also have access to a Unilink laptop for varied tasks, including booking visits or ordering items.

Training and Employment Opportunities: Berwyn Prison provides inmates with abundant vocational training opportunities, from traditional trades like bricklaying and joinery to more modern skills in ICT and digital media. Workshops range from furniture-making to an on-site DHL distribution centre. The facility’s primary goal is to ensure inmates are equipped with skills that will aid their reintegration into society.

Controversies and Challenges: The prison has not been without its share of controversies. The decision to name one of the prison houses ‘Bala’ sparked discontent among residents of the namesake town in Gwynedd. Furthermore, the enforced cell sharing design, a deviation from the traditional one-person-per-cell norm, led to operational challenges.

In 2023, another controversy hit the prison. Three female guards were convicted and imprisoned for engaging in illegal relationships with inmates, calling into question the prison’s internal regulations.

Conclusion: HMP Berwyn is undeniably a cornerstone in the UK’s prison landscape. While it provides inmates with top-notch facilities and opportunities for personal and professional growth, the prison’s journey has also been marred by operational and administrative challenges. Yet, with its steadfast focus on rehabilitation and community reintegration, Berwyn remains a significant institution for the future of the UK’s correctional system.