Christchurch Men’s Prison Redevelopment Project Phase One

The Christchurch Men’s Prison Redevelopment Project Phase One involves the redevelopment and expansion of the existing Christchurch Men’s Prison, an operational minimum-to-high security facility in Templeton, west of Christchurch city centre.

The prison serves the largest geographic catchment of any prison in New Zealand and supports some of the country’s busiest courts.

The new facilities will support the New Zealand Department of Corrections operational needs while providing a safer, more modern environment for staff and prisoners, with spaces designed to enhance learning and rehabilitation opportunities.

Phase One forms the first stage of a planned four-phase redevelopment of the existing prison. Once complete, a new section of perimeter will integrate each phase with the original prison infrastructure.

The first phase includes the construction of 160 high security cells, accommodating 316 prisoner beds (if double-bunked), 52 intervention and support cells, and associated facilities.

Plenary leads the Southern Renewal Partners consortium set to finance, design, construct, and maintain the facility for the construction period plus 25 years in partnership with the Department of Corrections.

Design features

The Christchurch Men’s Prison Redevelopment site has been masterplanned to support a maximum capacity of 2,000 prisoner beds. This includes existing beds and approximately 1,400 new beds to be delivered across the four phases of the redevelopment.

The design concept reflects improved methods and innovations that deliver value-for-money outcomes while creating safe, secure and modern environments for staff and prisoners.

Key design features include lower building heights where possible to create a more human-scale, trauma-informed environment, while maintaining essential security measures. The design also prioritises natural light, acoustically supportive spaces, cultural design, accessible and biophilic landscapes, and simplified construction and maintenance.

Together, these features support wellbeing, rehabilitation, sustainability, safety and long-term value.

Local economic benefits

At peak construction, the Christchurch Men’s Prison Redevelopment is expected to employ around 600 people, supporting local jobs, supply chains and capability development across the region.

Leighs is a locally owned and operated company with a strong commitment to developing New Zealand’s social infrastructure and delivering benefits for local communities.