Extension to HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire will include two five-a-side pitches

Skanska has won a 拢53m project by Serco, to design and construct a 260-cell houseblock extension to Staffordshire prison HMP Dovegate.

It will also construct a two-storey activity building within an increased secure site area, expand and refurbish existing buildings, and construct two five-a-side football pitches within the secure line.

Skanska is also undertaking the structural and civil design, as well as the mechanical and electrical management and installation for the new building.

The team on the project includes architects Capita, mechanical and electrical consultants HBS and CDM coordinators Watermans.

David Tydeman, executive vice president of Skanska UK said: "I am delighted that Skanska has been awarded this contract at HMP Dovegate. This award reinforces Skanska鈥檚 commitment to the custodial sector as part of our overall strategy of being a leading contractor in the construction of essential social and community infrastructure.鈥�

Construction will begin in February 2008 with completion set for early 2010.

Skanska designed and constructed the existing 800-place Category B training prison between 1999 and 2001.