Isle of Man Prison Jurby

The main contractor, O’Hare and McGovern (Isle of Man) Limited, commenced construction work on the Isle of Man’s new £41.7 million prison at Jurby in August 2005. Practical completion of the works was certified by the architect Niall McGarrigle, of McGarrigle and Jackson, on Friday, January 25, 2008.

For practical and operational reasons the main contractor, O’Hare and McGovern, retained responsibility for the premises until 3pm on Tuesday January 29, 2008, when Prison Service officers assumed full control of all movements into and out of the new prison.

The 5.2 metre high external perimeter security wall is constructed from cast concrete panels which were manufactured by a local supplier located in the Jurby industrial estate.

All of the cellular accommodation is constructed using pre-formed cast concrete panels which were shipped into the Island from the specialist manufacturer by sea and transported by road to Jurby.

The mechanical and electrical work was undertaken by a consortium of local contractors named Mannmec which was a joint venture comprised of Quiggin & Cubbon Ltd, Easthope & Cubbon Ltd and Arden & Druggan Ltd who came together specifically for this project.

Much of the site has been landscaped to reduce the visual impact on the surrounding area and the prison has been using parties of trusted prisoners, supervised by prison officers, to maintain these newly planted areas.

Following the completion of the construction phase and the handover of the buildings from the contractors to the Department of Home Affairs, the prison is now entering a commissioning and fit out phase when many of the security systems and locks will be installed.

During this phase there will be much work undertaken to prepare for the massive task of relocating all prisoners and their property, as well as staff and equipment from Douglas to Jurby.

The new prison will become fully operational at Jurby once this task is completed. It will offer much improved rehabilitation, work and training opportunities for prisoners who will be held in decent and hygienic conditions.

Instead of having to share cells that have no sanitation facilities provided, all prisoners will be located in single cells equipped with a toilet and washing facilities.

The old prison at Victoria Road, which first received prisoners in April 1891, will shut its doors for the last time after 116 years of constant use on the same day that the new prison in Jurby opens its doors for the first time to receive the Island’s prison population.