Holmes Miller Leads the Design of Scotland’s Most Progressive Custodial Facility: HMP Glasgow
Holmes Miller is proud to be the architect and lead designer for the replacement of HMP Barlinnie, working in close collaboration with the Scottish Prison Service, Kier Construction, and the wider Strategic Alliance team. The recent appointment of Kier Construction by the Scottish Government marks a significant step forward in delivering this transformative project.
Scheduled to open in 2028, the new HMP Glasgow will be a state-of-the-art, community-focused facility located in the northeast of the city. Designed to house approximately 1,400 offenders across multiple accommodation buildings, this modern development will replace the unfit-for-purpose Victorian-era HMP Barlinnie, addressing long-standing issues of overcrowding and infrastructure limitations.
The facility will feature five houseblocks, designed to create smaller, community-oriented prisoner groupings, each with dedicated garden spaces to support wellbeing. Additionally, two specialist residential units will cater to specific operational needs, while four ancillary buildings will provide essential rehabilitation and support services. A key highlight is the public-facing Front of House building, which will include a café, auditorium, and flexible meeting and working spaces, fostering greater engagement between the prison and the wider community.
Pick Everard has applied its extensive custodial expertise to lead the design of the residential blocks, ensuring they are tailored to meet both operational requirements and the rehabilitative needs of those in custody.
A core focus of Holmes Miller’s design is the integration of wellbeing and salutogenesis principles, which emphasise rehabilitation through interaction, education, and personal development. By incorporating natural light, open views, and carefully planned landscaping, the facility is designed to foster dignity, self-improvement, and mental wellbeing for those in custody. Transparent layouts and strong connections to outdoor spaces with themed courtyards further support a rehabilitative environment.
Sustainability is also a key priority, with the development adhering to the Scottish Government’s Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard. The design optimises thermal performance and incorporates renewable energy solutions, ensuring the facility aligns with Scotland’s long-term environmental goals.
Callum Houston, Managing Director of Holmes Miller, said: “We are incredibly proud to be leading the design of HMP Glasgow, a project that represents a major step forward in modern custodial environments. Our approach focuses on creating a facility that not only meets the highest standards of security and functionality but also prioritises rehabilitation, wellbeing, and sustainability. By integrating salutogenesis principles, we are designing spaces that promote dignity and positive change. This project will set a new benchmark for custodial design in Scotland, and we look forward to seeing our vision come to life.”
Holmes Miller is honoured to contribute to this landmark project, ensuring that HMP Glasgow becomes a model for progressive, rehabilitative, and sustainable custodial environments in Scotland.