Inverness community considers takeover of 123-year-old prison
A community group is considering a possible takeover of one of Scotland's oldest prisons.HMP Inverness was opened more than 120 years ago in the Crown area of Inverness city centre.It is to be replaced by HMP Highland, which is being built at a cost of £209m on a site near Inverness Campus on the east side of the city.Crown Connects is exploring a potential community asset transfer, a Scottish government-backed process that allows community groups to request ownership or lease of property or land.
Rebecca Robertson, of Crown Connects, said green spaces and a community hub could be created at the prison.The Crown area has a population of about 4,300 people.Ms Robertson told BBC Naidheachdan: "This is one of the few places in Inverness that doesn't have a community centre."This is an opportunity for us to address that and have a space where the community can come to relax, meet each other and play sports."The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said HMP Highland, due to be completed in 2026, would allow it to better serve local communities.The jail will have capacity for 200 prisoners.A SPS spokesperson said: "Once it is operational, the disposal of HMP Inverness will be managed in line with the principles set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual guidance and Community Empowerment Act."
HMP Inverness was opened in 1902.It was designed to have capacity for 103 prisoners, but SPS said the average population was 117. Over the years, concerns have been raised about overcrowding.The prison is surrounded by high red sandstone boundary wall and parts of the site have a designation recognising their historical and architectural importance.The chapel, A hall - including its former laundry and kitchen, B hall and parts of the boundary wall were listed at category B by Historic Environment Scotland in 2017.
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