TOWNSVILLE PRISON PROJECTS ON TIME AND ON BUDGET: SPENCE
Published Thursday, 16 August, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
The new Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre and the refurbishment of the men’s Townsville Correctional Centre are both on track for commissioning next year, Minister for Corrective Service Judy Spence said today.
Ms Spence inspected the construction sites for the new $130 million women’s prison and the $142.5 million refurbishment and expansion of the men’s prison in Townsville today.
“Construction at the 154 bed women’s prison is well advanced with most roofs now complete and internal work on the buildings continuing including services installation and fit outs,” Ms Spence said.
“Construction of the perimeter road and security fencing has commenced and the project is expected to open in April next year.”
“Internal civil works at the men’s prison started in January and work has begun on the Detention Unit and the first of the new cell blocks,” Ms Spence said.
“The refurbishment will increase capacity at the men’s prison by 144 beds to 400 and is expected to be completed by September next year.”
Ms Spence said many ‘green’ or ecologically-sustainable design initiatives have been incorporated into both prison complexes.
“Dual flush toilets are being fitted in both the prisoner and staff areas and a recycled water scheme will be connected to the irrigation and laundry systems and all water fixtures are AAA-rated.”
“Energy efficiency has also been considered with all new buildings being constructed of light-coloured cavity block and steel roofing with insulated walls and ceilings which will keep temperatures down and reduce the need for air-conditioning.
“Sunshades and roof overhangs are also being installed to reduce the heating effect of direct sunlight on windows.”
Ms Spence said the contractor building the prisons Baulderstone Hornibrook has also implemented a number of water saving and recycling initiatives on site.
“Bore water is being used instead of town water for civil works and during irrigation of areas of new turf.”
“Scrap metal, concrete and steel from demolished buildings has been recycled and cardboard used for packaging will also be recycled during the finishes and fit-out stage.”
Ms Spence said the prison projects had created around 250 jobs during the construction process.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287
Ms Spence inspected the construction sites for the new $130 million women’s prison and the $142.5 million refurbishment and expansion of the men’s prison in Townsville today.
“Construction at the 154 bed women’s prison is well advanced with most roofs now complete and internal work on the buildings continuing including services installation and fit outs,” Ms Spence said.
“Construction of the perimeter road and security fencing has commenced and the project is expected to open in April next year.”
“Internal civil works at the men’s prison started in January and work has begun on the Detention Unit and the first of the new cell blocks,” Ms Spence said.
“The refurbishment will increase capacity at the men’s prison by 144 beds to 400 and is expected to be completed by September next year.”
Ms Spence said many ‘green’ or ecologically-sustainable design initiatives have been incorporated into both prison complexes.
“Dual flush toilets are being fitted in both the prisoner and staff areas and a recycled water scheme will be connected to the irrigation and laundry systems and all water fixtures are AAA-rated.”
“Energy efficiency has also been considered with all new buildings being constructed of light-coloured cavity block and steel roofing with insulated walls and ceilings which will keep temperatures down and reduce the need for air-conditioning.
“Sunshades and roof overhangs are also being installed to reduce the heating effect of direct sunlight on windows.”
Ms Spence said the contractor building the prisons Baulderstone Hornibrook has also implemented a number of water saving and recycling initiatives on site.
“Bore water is being used instead of town water for civil works and during irrigation of areas of new turf.”
“Scrap metal, concrete and steel from demolished buildings has been recycled and cardboard used for packaging will also be recycled during the finishes and fit-out stage.”
Ms Spence said the prison projects had created around 250 jobs during the construction process.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287