Estimated construction costs of the new HMP Glasgow: FOI release

Information requested

1. What are the current estimated construction costs of the new HMP Glasgow which is replacing Barlinnie Prison?
2. What are the projected construction costs for the completion of the new Glasgow prison to completion, including full internal kit out?
3. Is construction work going to start on schedule in September this year?
4. What is happening to the remains of the prisoners executed at Barlinnie and which have been laid to rest within the prison grounds?
5. Can you confirm if the existing facility, Barlinnie, is to be sold off to the highest bidder or converted into a prison museum after it is decommissioned?

Response

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section 27(1) (information intended for future publication) of FOISA applies to that information. The exemption in section 27(1) allows public authorities to refuse to disclose information if they already plan to publish it within the next 12 weeks.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in its release and this will be met by our planned publication. We see little public interest in disrupting the publication schedule to release the information ahead of the intended publication date.

The exemption under section 27(1) applies to Question 1, 2 and 3. HMP Glasgow is included in the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: Project Pipeline which is updated every six month. Latest update can be found here. This update includes Total Capital Investment which reflects estimated/projected construction costs and includes full internal kit out, and construction start date. The March 2023 update is due to be published within 12 weeks of 7 April 2023.

The answer to Question 4 is that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is aware there are graves within the grounds of HMP Barlinnie, and they can advise that appropriate consideration will be given to the removal of these remains as part of any future decommissioning of the site.

The answer to Question 5 is that SPS will dispose of the site at HMP Barlinnie in accordance with Scottish Government policy which is set out in guidance within the Scottish Public Finance Manual. Thereafter it will be for any potential purchaser to determine the future use of the site in conjunction with the relevant Planning Authority.

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