Minister for Corrections David Elliott today announced prisoners have moved into new modular cells at Parklea prison increasing capacity by 80 beds.

The 40 high-grade cells were designed and built by Corrective Services Industries and are part of a $10 million commitment to create additional capacity in the NSW prison system.

Mr Elliott welcomed the completion of the modular cells project, which is in addition to extra beds opened at Wellington, Glenn Innes and Grafton Correctional centres.

“The modular cells are a great example of innovative and modern building techniques used to get more beds on the ground quickly, when and where we need them, to protect the community,” Mr Elliott said.

“The NSW Government has already announced that a new prison will be built in Grafton and that it is expanding Parklea Correctional Centre.

“These additional beds being delivered at Parklea, Windsor, Wellington, Glenn Innes and Grafton will help Corrective Services respond to the traditional spike in the prison population over the summer period, keeping communities safe.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said inmates at different prisons across the state built the modular cells, saving NSW taxpayers a significant amount of money.

“Prisoners have been helping build prisons in New South Wales for over 200 years and we’re continuing that tradition,” Commissioner Severin said.

“Corrective Services NSW is also looking at introducing other beds at existing facilities in consultation with the union and the community.”