The new prison development, recommended by Wrexham council chiefs, is expected to house 2,000 inmates on the site of the former Firestone Factory on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.
The outline plans for the £250m scheme have already been submitted to Wrexham council.
The construction works are scheduled to start next summer on the 2,000-place North Wales Prison.
The development was subjected to criticism concerning its impact on local traffic, ecology as well as the fears it may house more dangerous prisoners, and that it would fail to create the jobs as claimed by the developer.
Wrexham council’s Head of Community Wellbeing & Development, Lawrence Isted, said: “These proposals will deliver significant investment in a site on the Wrexham Industrial Estate that has been vacant for a lengthy period of time and deliver much needed additional employment opportunities in the area.
“The development will inevitably result in ecological, highways, short term noise and visual impacts.
“However I am satisfied that on balance, the impacts will not be significantly harmful and/or can be adequately mitigated and that the development accords with both national and local planning policies.”
Firms have been invited to a “Local Supplier Engagement Event” which will take place the coming month where they will have a chance to meet the construction companies bidding for their involvement in the scheme.
Secretary of State for Wales, David Jones, commented: “The £250 million worth of investment in a new prison in Wrexham is a development that will not only improve prisoner welfare, but will also be of significant boost to the economy of north east Wales.
“It is set to create up to 1,000 jobs and contribute around £23m per annum, providing huge construction opportunities and great possibilities for local businesses.
“I want to ensure that north Wales companies take advantage of this unique opportunity, show that we have some of the very best suppliers, and demonstrate the quality of our work and the value we can offer.”
Photo: Construction Enquirer
