News and Press Releases
1/18/2010
New extension at Bronzefield
An extension at HMP Bronzefield was officially opened on 20 January 2010 by Roger Hill, South East Director of Offender Management.
The new two-storey houseblock comprises of three wings accommodating 58 single and nine double cells and a disabled person’s cell. To comply with key principles in the design of prisons for women, en-suite showers have been incorporated in all the cells.
The central hub of the new extension includes activity rooms, staff facilities including offices, a staff night base, kitchen and interview rooms, voluntary testing area, a dispensary and laundry.
The activity rooms include multi-functional rooms, group rooms and classrooms. These can be used for a variety of activities including group therapy, discussion groups and educational opportunities providing new skills to help reduce the risk of reoffending on release.
Large roof-lights in communal areas and windows in the rooms bring optimum natural daylight into the houseblock. Differing colour schemes have also been used on each of the three spurs to enhance the bright internal environment.
In addition to the houseblock, two new exercise yards and an additional secure courtyard provide access to fresh air and the opportunity for exercise.
Helga Swidenbank, Director of HMP Bronzefield said:
"We at Bronzefield are justifiably proud of what we do; providing a safe, decent environment which gives opportunities to those in our care with the aim of reducing reoffending. The new houseblock restates our aim to provide first class services and to be a centre of excellence in delivering services for women offenders."
