Simon Caron, project director
International property and infrastructure group Lendlease has commissioned students from Glyndŵr University to publish a legacy book as part of its tribute to the creation of the prison on Wrexham Industrial Estate.
Eight students will spend the next two years capturing photographs at the prison site and interviewing everyone involved, from construction workers to Ministry of Justice (MoJ) officials.
The heritage of the 120-acre former Firestone factory site will be documented in the book, along with the reasons why Wrexham was chosen to host the prison.
The book is the brainchild of Simon Caron, project director for Lendlease, which was awarded a £151m contract to build the prison by the MoJ.
Simon said: “Our commitment to the community was absolutely central to our bid. We have pledged to spend £30m with local businesses and create 100 new apprenticeships and we want to leave a legacy in North Wales. A book is something which is permanent and everyone can pick up to read at any time.
“Thousands of people will be involved in the project in one way or another and we want to capture the views of as many of those people as possible.”
The multi-talented team of graduates and students will each contribute to the book according to their skillset, under the professional guidance of Flintshire-based mentor Susan Miller and her writing, editing and publishing business, All Words Matter.
Printing of the book will be carried out by an MoJ prison print workshop.
The project is one of many which is being made possible through the A Degree Of Responsibility (ADOR) initiative, funded by a National Lottery bid secured by Glyndŵr University Careers Centre in partnership with bid writer Rachel Lacey.
ADOR creates community common interest activities, such as the prison book project, providing individuals with the chance to get involved in employability skills-building projects whilst connecting with and addressing some of the needs of the community and local third sector organisations.
Lucy Jones, work experience officer and ADOR Project Co-ordinator at Glyndŵr University, said: “The North Wales Prison Project is providing innovative ways for regional partners to work together and we’re proud that our students have taken the opportunity to become part of it.
“It will give each of them something very unique to talk to potential employers about, strengthening the skills and confidence they’ve gained while at university.”
Planning permission for North Wales Prison was granted in November 2014 and construction started in March 2015.
The first houseblock at the Category C prison is due to be operational by February 2017. Once fully open, the prison will house 2106 inmates, with a focus on rehabilitation and education of offenders before their release.
Facilities include workshops, an education block, health centre, pharmacy, gym, sports hall and football pitch.
For more information visit http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/business/prison/
Anyone who wants more information on the prison book can email [email protected]
