GFSL installs new accommodation pods for 120 residents at HMP Ford
Seamless collaboration with HMPPS and our external suppliers, means this £2.6 million project is being delivered on time, exceeding our customer expectations.
Work began in December to upgrade residents’ living conditions by installing 80 new self contained units, or pods. Now complete, they offer a much more comfort and privacy; each having a living area, bed, desk, WC and shower unit.
A team of 10 workers expertly winched the 2.5 tonne pods into place on a newly levelled field at Ford. They replace 20 smaller billets, mostly prefabricated, which were demolished - meaning they’ll be ready for occupancy by 26 April 2021.
Project Manager, Terry Coston explains,
This is a vast improvement on the previous accommodation. The residents will have much better living conditions, with more comfort, decency and privacy.
For example, each resident will have their own door key and use of a nearby kitchenette, pin phone room with 5 lines, and laundry.
About HMP Ford: some background
HMP Ford is located near Arundel in West Sussex, on a former airfield. It played a highly strategic role as a squadron base during WW1 and later became RAF Ford Airfield, again playing major military roles in the D Day landings.
Today, HMP Ford is an open prison committed to providing a safe and educational environment. Ford residents all have under 2 years left to serve on their sentence so the focus is on resettlement and on men learning new skills to help them on release.
All residents are expected to work as they would out in the community. Work opportunities inside prison include painting and decorating, carpentry, engineering, cleaning and call centre work. Some residents enjoy work in nearby nurseries growing flowers and vegetables which are sold in the Ford farm shop (re-opening to public shortly).
Work outside the prison is either supported through community service placements, work experience or paid work. Education provision includes a range of courses offered by The Chichester College.