Government says new Aylesbury Vale prison expected to be run by private operator
A new prison in Buckinghamshire is expected to be run by a private operator, a Ministry of Justice report says.
The Category C prison is being built next to HMP Grendon and HMP Springhill, near Grendon Underwood, and will hold up to 1,468 men.
Early site work has started, with the Ministry expecting the main building work to begin in mid-2028.
The prison is due to open by the end of 2031. The dates are estimates and could change.
Private operation is still subject to ministerial agreement. The report does not name an operator.
The main construction phase is expected to last almost six years, the council says.
The building contractor, Laing O’Rourke, has appointed a traffic ambassador to monitor lorry movements.
Lorries are already a concern for residents. The approved traffic plan allows up to 250 construction vehicles a day at the busiest point. Each lorry’s arrival and departure count as separate movements.
During early works, Lawn Hill is limited to 50 lorry arrivals and 50 departures a day.
The council says its monitoring shows vehicles are using the approved routes. Laing O’Rourke is recruiting another traffic ambassador to cover Grendon Road and Springhill Road.
Residents and councillors have raised concerns about road safety, noise, dust, mud and damage to roads and verges.
They fear risks for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and schoolchildren, in an area that is also dealing with HS2 works.
Buckinghamshire Council says it cannot reconsider whether the prison should be built.
The Government granted planning permission after an appeal. The council can check whether the approved traffic measures are being followed.
It says it will monitor traffic, speed, complaints and road conditions. It can consider action if evidence shows the rules are being broken.
The Ministry says the project should bring benefits. It aims for 25 per cent of on-site workers and 40 per cent of off-site workers to come from within 50 miles of the site.
It also aims to spend 40 per cent of project money within that radius and support 50 apprentices or trainees. The Ministry is targeting 14 per cent biodiversity net gain, above the 10 per cent legal requirement.
The prison is part of the Government’s plan to add 14,000 places nationally by 2031.
England and Wales had 87,712 prisoners on September 30. Official figures show 23.9 per cent were held in overcrowded accommodation during 2025-2026.
Inspectors also warn that overcrowding, poor sanitation, ageing buildings and maintenance delays are causing unacceptable conditions across prisons.
The reports go to Buckinghamshire Council’s growth, infrastructure and housing select committee on November 17. Members are being asked to note them.