Galliford Try secures contract with Scottish Prison Service

British construction firm Galliford Try has been appointed by the Scottish Prison Service to build a new women's national facility, aimed at replacing Scotland's only female prison at Cornton Vale in Stirling.

Galliford Try said on Wednesday that the £54m contract would involve the redevelopment of the existing facility in a phased programme of demolition and new build.

The FTSE 250 company said it would provide two new residential blocks and a separate assessment centre as part of the first phase, while a new central hub with vocational and educational facilities, medical centre and laundry will also be built along with a visitor area and administrative building.

Phase two would involve the creation of a retreat and multi-faith area, an animal welfare and grounds maintenance building, a new 126 space car park with EV charging points, enhanced hard and soft landscaping within the grounds and security fencing.

Chief executive Bill Hocking said: "We are delighted to have secured this opportunity in the key custodial sector where we have a growing reputation for building high-quality facilities across the UK.

"Morrison Construction continues to lead the way as contractor of choice for the public sector in Scotland and remains pivotal to delivering our strategy for the business."

As of 0840 GMT, Galliford Try shares were up 5.83% at 140.44p.