More London prisons up for sale?

Last week, the Evening Standard reported that property agents, Savills, have been awarded a contract to review the possibility of closing and redeveloping London prison sites.

Prison sites the company will review, the paper reports, include Brixton, Pentonville and Feltham. The company will consider a number of options, including keeping the prisons open, or converting them to alternative uses, such as housing.

Back in 2015 Savills were awarded two contracts by the Cabinet Office to review prison land values and relocation costs. We are currently awaiting the outcome of Freedom of Information requests to see copies of their report.

Following the closure and planned sale of the Holloway prison site, this latest news indicates that the government remains committed to capitalising on London prison sites.

In a project supported by Trust for London, we are working with local people around the closed Holloway prison to develop a plan that places the interests and needs of the community at the heart of any redevelopment.