With the evolving demands on the Ministry of Justice, we understand that the MOJ is increasingly seeking reliable partners to support the rapid deployment of secure accommodation. Temporary prison accommodation, often in the form of modular buildings, has become a pivotal solution to address capacity challenges. At Shanco Contracts, we have built substantial expertise in this field over the years, ensuring that our groundworks not only meet but exceed the stringent requirements of such projects.​ As with any specialist sector, working on projects of this nature comes with unique and complex considerations – and this article, we’ll be exploring how groundworkers can navigate these challenges while delivering exceptional results.

Often delivered as modular units, temporary accommodation has become a pivotal solution to address capacity pressures across the justice sector. While their installation is fast, the standards they must adhere to are uncompromising, necessitating meticulously executed groundworks to ensure their longevity and security.​

Groundworks: The Bedrock of Secure and Efficient Delivery for the Ministry of Justice

Delivering groundworks for prison accommodation extends beyond conventional site preparation. It demands a profound understanding of security protocols, logistical intricacies, and the structural nuances specific to the justice sector. At Shanco, our approach is centred around the following critical considerations:​

Security Clearance and Access

Every member of our groundworks team possesses the requisite security clearances, facilitating immediate and unhindered access to secure sites. This proactive measure eliminates potential delays during mobilisation, ensuring that projects commence and progress without unnecessary hindrances.​

Programme Certainty and Rapid Delivery

The nature of temporary accommodation projects often entails compressed timelines to address urgent capacity needs. Our extensive experience enables us to operate effectively under accelerated programmes, collaborating seamlessly with modular contractors, prison authorities, and project managers to ensure synchronised delivery.​

Substructure and Foundations

Modular buildings, despite their temporary designation, require precision-engineered foundations to guarantee stability and security. We provide tailored substructure solutions, including concrete slabs and reinforced foundations, designed to support the specific load and usage requirements of each facility.​

Specialist Drainage and Utilities

Secure environments impose unique demands on drainage and utility infrastructures. Our teams excel in installing compliant underground services, encompassing secure drainage systems, water connections, ducting, and electrical supplies, all adhering to the rigorous standards mandated for government-led projects.​

Operating Within Live or Sensitive Environments

Our proficiency in working within operational prison sites ensures that our presence is non-disruptive. We uphold the highest standards of professionalism, health and safety compliance, and discretion, facilitating project execution that respects the sensitivities of the environment.​

Case Study: HMP Moorlands Modular Laundry Foundations

A testament to our capabilities is our project at HMP Moorlands, where we were entrusted with the groundworks for a new modular laundry and welfare building within a Category C prison. Despite a stringent two-week lead time and the complexities of operating within a high-security environment, our pre-cleared team successfully delivered the project on schedule. This achievement highlights our adeptness at navigating logistical challenges and adhering to strict security protocols, ensuring seamless project delivery. ​ Learn more about HMP Moorlands here.

Why Shanco?

Shanco stands as a distinguished groundworks partner, offering unparalleled expertise in the Ministry of Justice sector. Our team is fully security-cleared, technically proficient, and adept at delivering under the unique pressures inherent in these projects. We pride ourselves on our approachable and adaptable nature, ensuring that from initial groundwork to final handover, we contribute to the creation of secure, efficient, and future-ready prison accommodation.