A new company is set to take over the running of HMP Lowdham Grange after securing a government contract worth £264million. Sodexo will take responsibility for nearly 900 male prisoners and 500 staff at the category B Nottinghamshire prison from Thursday, February 16.
The French company, which already runs prisons five prisons in England and Scotland, were awarded the 10-year contract by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). HMP Lowdham, which accommodates adult males with sentences over four years, had been managed by Serco since opening in 1998.
Serco Justice Director Mark Hanson said the company was "proud of the innovations that have been introduced into the prison over the years". He added: "Including being the first prison in the UK to install in-cell telephony, the photo booth that allows prisoners to send photos to friends and family.
