ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV

Multi-disciplinary property and construction consultancy McBains Cooper has signed a contract with Kier Southern for the new extension at HMP High Down prison in Sutton, Surrey.

McBains Cooper will provide specialist environmental advice on the integration of mechanical services with ground source heat pump installations. M&E term consultants Faber Maunsell and WSP will assist the firm.

HMP High Down will be the first prison in the country to use geothermal energy. McBains Cooper’s environmental division originally carried out a feasibility study for the National Offender Management Service who then decided to go ahead with the innovative heating, hot water and potentially free cooling solution.

The new block will house 180 people and will feature a closed loop system, providing under-floor heating throughout the new accommodation block as well as the potential option for cooling in summer.

Work on site has just started and the project is scheduled for completion in September 2007.