Belmarsh West Prison
London

Semperian owns 100% of the Belmarsh West PPP Project. The project comprised the finance, design, construction, provision of custodial services and lifecycle maintenance in respect of the HMP Thameside Prison, formerly known as Belmarsh West, for the Secretary of State for Justice (“the Authority”) at a site at Thamesmead, East London. Construction of the prison was completed in 2012 by Skanska and custodial and FM services are provided by Serco until the project expiry date in 2036. 

Following a major variation in 2013, an additional houseblock was built, increasing the capacity to 1,232 prisoners in 900 cells. 

Services provided by Serco cover the provision of custodial services and lifecycle maintenance at the prison. The custodial services include: maintaining safety and security, reducing reoffending, providing rehabilitation support, providing accommodation, providing opportunities for physical education, ensuring prisoner release, providing reception facilities, providing catering and providing building and grounds maintenance.

The Authority has retained the responsibility for oversight of the prison, which is subject to regular inspections and has an on-site monitoring team.  However, all services on site are provided by Serco through the project.

In 2018, the project was refinanced with the existing senior debt replaced by a bond issue, guaranteed by Assured Guaranty.  In 2020, Semperian entered into a Management Services Agreement with the project and it now provides operational and financial support for the remainder of the concession.