A new company is set to take over the running of HMP Lowdham Grange after securing a government contract worth £264million. Sodexo will take responsibility for nearly 900 male prisoners and 500 staff at the category B Nottinghamshire prison from Thursday, February 16.
The French company, which already runs prisons five prisons in England and Scotland, were awarded the 10-year contract by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). HMP Lowdham, which accommodates adult males with sentences over four years, had been managed by Serco since opening in 1998.
Serco Justice Director Mark Hanson said the company was "proud of the innovations that have been introduced into the prison over the years". He added: "Including being the first prison in the UK to install in-cell telephony, the photo booth that allows prisoners to send photos to friends and family.
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“But most of all we are proud of all the staff at the prison who do such challenging work and who work tirelessly to keep everyone safe and well. We wish them all the very best for the future.”
Paul Anstey, chief executive officer of Government, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: "We are delighted to have won the HMP Lowdham Grange contract. Sodexo has a significant track record of managing prisons in the UK, and we will transfer this expertise and experience to this new contract.
"We look forward to working with our new colleagues at the prison to build on what has already been achieved, while introducing new initiatives and innovations. Our vision is to provide a secure and safe environment which reduces re-offending through education, builds new skills and offers respect, equality and inclusion."
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