SecureFuture Consortium Signs New Prison Contract

AsiaNet: SecureFuture Consortium Signs Contract to Build and Operate Innovative New Prison at Wiri

The SecureFuture consortium has signed a contract to build and operate the new prison at Wiri, South Auckland. The new public-private partnership (PPP) facility will be designed, financed, built, operated and maintained by the consortium on behalf of the New Zealand Department of Corrections and will focus on rehabilitation and making communities safer.

SecureFuture is made up of Fletcher Construction, who will design and construct the prison, Serco, who will operate it, Spotless Facility Services, responsible for maintenance, along with equity participants John Laing, InfraRed and The Accident Compensation Corporation. The consortium is advised by Macquarie Capital.

Fletcher Chief Executive for Construction Graham Darlow said that construction on the 960-place facility would begin shortly.

"The design for the prison draws on international research and expertise to ensure its construction complements a world-class approach to reducing reoffending in a safe, secure and decent setting. We have also taken special care to ensure that it respects the specific cultural and environmental requirements of the Wiri site."

Serco Managing Director Paul Mahoney said that when it opens in 2015, the prison will aim to cut crime by turning offenders' lives around.

"Our focus will be on rehabilitating the men held at the prison and on cutting crime. Under the contract, we will be working to specified targets to make sure that's what we achieve. All the consortium partners are committed to delivering effective and efficient services to the public."

The prison will run innovative programmes to tackle specific causes and types of offending, including embracing the concept of Kaitiakitanga in conjunction with Mana Whenua to assist in exercising their guardianship of the Wiri site and its surrounds. Providing meaningful education and job training, as well as promoting links with family, whanau and the wider community, will help prisoners to stay away from crime when they are released.

In-cell technology will increase the time prisoners can spend learning while in custody, allow them to take more responsibility for themselves, and help them to stay in touch with family. 'Through-the-gate' support will be given to prisoners on release through a volunteer mentoring scheme and integration with the Probation Service and Parole Board. A Community Liaison Office will provide a range of assistance including alcohol and drug relapse prevention support, money management, debt counselling, accommodation services and a work placement programme.

Contract signing follows the Government's announcement in March that the consortium was their preferred bidder. Senior debt for the project will be provided by ANZ National Bank Ltd, BOS International and Bank of New Zealand.

The net present value of the contract is worth approximately $840 million, which is 17 per cent less than if the prison was procured through conventional means.

About Fletcher Construction:

The Fletcher Construction Company is the leading contractor in New Zealand and the South Pacific. Fletcher teams have delivered an unrivalled number of significant projects throughout the region for more than a century - including hospitals, hotels, universities, motorways, bridges and office towers. Recent major Auckland projects include the redevelopments of Eden Park and Mt Eden Prison. The company undertakes contracts across the full spectrum of construction activity. It is owned by Fletcher Building Ltd, New Zealand's second largest listed company.

About Serco:

Serco is a FTSE 100 international service company, which combines commercial know-how with a deep public service ethos. We improve services by managing people, processes, technology and assets more effectively. Our strategic advice comes from hands-on experience. We advise policy makers, design innovative solutions, integrate systems and - most of all - deliver front-line services that make a positive difference to customers and communities.

Serco has been delivering mission critical public services for almost 50 years. We support governments, agencies and companies in 30 countries who seek a trusted partner with a solid track record of providing assured service excellence. Globally our employees deliver operational, management and consulting expertise in defence, science, technology, justice, immigration, transport, health, education, aviation and business process outsourcing.

Our 7,000 people in the Asia Pacific business currently operate in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong. More information can be found at www.serco-ap.com.au

About Spotless:

Spotless is one of the 10th largest employers in New Zealand with approximately 12,000 staff providing services across food, cleaning, painting, commercial laundries, facilities management and asset maintenance. The company invests in the New Zealand economy through local employment and procurement and operates in almost every town in New Zealand. In addition to its ASX listing, Spotless is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.

About John Laing:

John Laing plc is a specialist provider of infrastructure with a long-term perspective and approach. The company manages and delivers 73 projects from planning and funding through to design, construction and operation. It is actively involved in the management of a wide range of criminal justice, health, education, police, rail, roads and special purpose government facilities, both in the UK and overseas. Wiri men's prison in Auckland is John Laing's first project in New Zealand. http://www.laing.com

ENDS

© Scoop Media