Construction of $697 million HMP replacement now expected to conclude in 2029Published Jun 16, 2025 • 2 minute readJustice Minister John Haggie takes questions from reporters at the future site of the adult prison that will replace Her Majesty’s Penitentiary (HMP) on East White Hills Road in St. John’s, June 16, 2025. – Photo by Tara BradburyThe province held a ceremonial ground-breaking Monday, June 16, at the East White Hills Road site in St. John’s where a replacement for Her Majesty’s Penitentiary will be built, even as negotiations over the project continue.The government says an “early works agreement,” valued at about $1.5 million, has been made with New Avalon Corrections Partners, allowing preparation of the site to begin.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThat work includes clearing of the site, installation of an eight-foot fence at the perimeter, measures to control site water, stripping and stockpiling of topsoil, and a “soft” design start, with precast cell mock-ups.The province sent New Avalon Corrections Partners a letter on June 9, indicating it had accepted the private company’s request for proposals submission. The company was the sole bidder.“After decades of contemplating a new facility to replace Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, this is a very important day to many, as we officially begin the construction project,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Elvis Loveless.“The bottom line is that we need a new correctional facility. Today, we are delivering on that commitment.” Ground was broken Monday, June 16, 2025, on East White Hills Road at the site of the new Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, A final project agreement is still being worked on. Photo by Tara Bradbury /THE TELEGRAMCost has increased to $697 millionConstructed in 1859, the current HMP is long out of date and notoriously dilapidated, with inmates and staff reporting issues with overcrowding, air quality, mould, rodents, a lack of programming and a shortage of correctional officers.Article contentInmates routinely receive double credit for time served on remand in the prison due to the conditions.The province first announced the construction of a new prison in 2019, but went back to the drawing board in 2024, re-issuing a request for qualifications after construction costs soared.“We, as a department, had to re-evaluate the parameters of the project with an aim of procuring a new facility that meets the needs of staff and residents of the facility, but is also fiscally responsible for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador,” Loveless said.The original predicted cost of the new prison back in 2019 was $200 million.The cost today is nearly three-and-a-half times as much, somewhere around $697 million.Read More New HMP plans scrapped: Province reissues RFQ’s for new facility Inside the walls of the HMP, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Victorian-era jail Expected to be completed in 2029The biggest difference between the original proposal and the current one, Loveless explained, is a consolidated layout instead of a campus-style facility.Article content“The consolidated layout is a better fit for this site, minimizing the extent of excavation and taking advantage of the natural slope of the hillside,” he told reporters.“When the final details of the project have been concluded, we will provide more information on the design, look and feel of the new facility.”The 28,000-square-foot, 300-bed prison is expected to be completed in 2029 and will be a state-of-the-art facility with rehabilitation of inmates in mind, according to Justice Minister John Haggie.“The old pen was built with a different philosophy in mind, and 166 years is a long time to leave something exactly the same,” he said.“It’s going to be built to encourage staff and inmate interactions. It will also allow safe and secure, but humanitarian treatment of the people who have to be confined within it.“This is not necessarily going to be a vote winner; it’s not necessarily going to be popular, but it’s the right thing to do and needs to be done now.”Article content
Province holds ceremonial ground breaking at site of future prison to replace HMP
