7 May 2008
The Department of Corrections today welcomed the decision from the Honourable Phil Goff, Minister of Corrections to approve funding for the replacement of Mt Eden Prison.
New accommodation and support facilities will be built to replace Mt Eden Prison, allowing the old prison to be decommissioned.
The Northern Regional Manager for Prison Services Warren Cummins says the Minister's decision is great news for the Department.
"Mt Eden Prison is increasingly difficult to operate and maintain. It was designed to suit the corrections system of the late 1800s and cannot keep up with changing prison standards.
"While not suitable for prison use, the historic building will be restored and converted for staff and administration use. Preserving the building's heritage has always been a key part of this project.
"The Department has been working hard to maintain Mt Eden Prison in a safe and healthy manner, and the prison staff have done a fantastic job in a challenging environment for several years now. However, I'm sure that the staff at Mt Eden are excited by this announcement, and the prospect of the prison finally being brought up to meet modern prison standards."
The prison replacement plans incorporate the most up-to-date features of prison design. In addition to the new accommodation buildings, new prison support buildings will be built to service the whole site. These include a single secure site entrance, more on-site staff and visitor parking, and a new prisoner services building containing visitor facilities.
ENDS
For further information email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365 or 021 761 828 (after hours).
More information on the project can be found by clicking here.
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