After more than 120 years of service the landmark Mt Eden Prison is being replaced. Construction of new accommodation and support facilities began in October 2008.
The Auckland Central Remand Prison is on the same site. The new support facilities will service both prisons, allowing for an integrated and more efficient site operation.
The new accommodation and support facilities are expected to be completed by mid 2011. Once prisoners are moved into the new accommodation, the old Mt Eden Prison building will be renovated and refurbished for staff and administration use. This building has high heritage value and protecting and continuing to use it is an important part of the project.
This project presents a number of unique challenges. Most new prisons are built on large unoccupied sites away from cities. By contrast, the Mt Eden Prison replacement is being built on a small, inner city site around two of the country’s busiest prisons.
The current Mt Eden Prison and the Auckland Central Remand Prison need to keep operating throughout the construction period. Detailed planning has been required to ensure the site remains secure and safe and to allow the two prisons to operate as normally as possible.