Corrections is investigating the use a range of prefabricated or modular prison cells, including specially modified shipping containers, as a way to cope with rising prisoner numbers.
Systems and Infrastructure Assistant General Manager Derek Lyons says that modified containers can be developed to meet our needs.
“We’re now going through the design process and examining how we’ll fit them in into our prisons in the future,” he says.
The containers will require suitable infrastructure, such as concrete foundation pads, security fences, and amenity buildings.
Cells made from modified shipping containers will meet the New Zealand standards for prisoner accommodation and be secure and well-insulated.
“They’re part of our overall capacity planning. Modular construction is much faster than traditional construction methods,” says Derek.
Currently, Corrections has approximately 8,200 prisoners and 9,100 beds. We will need extra beds from 2010 onwards to cope with the projected increase in prisoners. By 2018, we expect to need nearly 12,500 beds.
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ISSN 1178-8453