What should replace Strangeways Prison?

There has been a lot of speculation this week about Strangeways Prison being closed down

By Thom Bamford
Last Updated 1 year ago

As things stand, the prison service own the building and the Ministry of Justice’s stance is that it will remain open as a prison.

However, because it is so old, the council have suggested that the costs of bringing it up to modern standards would be eye watering and essentially, not worth it.

Council Leader Bev Craig said the building is ‘not suitable’ and was calling for discussions to me made about the future of the site.

Next year, Manchester City Council will be bringing forward a masterplan for the area in Spring/Early summer which will set out a vision and opportunities for the area.

There will be a plan for both outcomes: either the prison remains operational, or the prison is relocated.

So we wanted to ask our readers in the interim – what should be put on the site.

For a chance to be featured – email [email protected] with your ideas about what should be done with the Strangeways site.

Speaking to I LOVE MCR, Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We have reiterated a long-standing call to the Ministry of Justice to relocate and close Strangeways prison and would welcome discussions around it.

“The Grade II-listed Victorian building is not suitable for the significant remodelling or expansion it would need to meet modern day requirements for a prison and is coming to the end of its natural lifespan. So it is a long-term aspiration to see it replaced elsewhere.

“At the moment its city centre location acts as a barrier to growth and development which could bring new jobs, much-needed houses and green space.

“Relocating the prison to new premises elsewhere – coupled with the heightened enforcement which is now taking place against organised crime in the area – would represent an exciting opportunity to transform the Strangeways area for the better. We are aiming to bring forward a new masterplan for the area in spring setting out the vision and opportunities.”

Strangeways Prison is more than 150 years old, having opened in 1868.

It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse – who is also responsible for designing Manchester Town Hall.

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