The Home Office are planning to reopen the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), with the intention of redeveloping the site and opening a new 600-bed IRC for by late 2023 at the earliest.
Their plans to proceed with the development of a new IRC at Haslar were dependent on the outcome of an initial feasibility study and planning appraisal.
Those investigations are now complete and have not suggested any major risks likely to undermine the plans.
The Home Office will, therefore, proceed to the next stage of the project, arranging further surveys and environmental assessments, as appropriate, to draw up design plans and to begin the formal planning application process.
The IRC will be a secure site for adult males who are either foreign national offenders or failed asylum seekers. It will comprise a new-build living unit alongside refurbishment and remodelling of existing accommodation, meeting statutory standards, taking account of the Shaw reviews on welfare in detention and with a full range of healthcare and recreational facilities and access to legal advice.
The Home Office intend to appoint a single supplier for the site to deliver all services – with the exception of healthcare services which we expect to be commissioned by NHS England - including custodial, within the detained accommodation and a Prior Information Notice covering this contract was issued today.
Commenting, Caroline said:
“I met the previous Home Office Minister to discuss the plans for Haslar IRC and ensure the right safeguards are in place for local residents.
On balance I’m glad a decision has finally been made regarding the site, which has been empty for seven years, contributing nothing to our local economy. I have long called for the site to either be bought back into use or sold.
Until 2016 this site was an Immigration Removal Centre for over 30 years, restoring it to full use will generate employment and economic activity“
Caroline will continue to monitor the progress of this site closely, prioritising the well-being of local residents.
