Local architecture practice strengthens national custodial portfolio

Recently completed Sunderland Magistrates Court which Howarth Litchfield worked on (Image: Supplied)

Durham-based architectural practice Howarth Litchfield has cemented its growing reputation in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) sector, securing a raft of national custodial projects with leading construction group, Galliford Try.

The firm’s expertise has been called upon for multiple schemes within the MoJ’s £2.5bn Constructor Services Framework - a programme designed to deliver new build, refurbishment, maintenance and associated services across the prison estate. Galliford Try is one of only eight contractors appointed to the national lot for projects valued between £10m and £30m.

Howarth Litchfield’s director, Keith Handy, has been at the forefront of this work, drawing on his long-standing relationship with Galliford Try to develop a significant and diverse custodial portfolio in a short space of time.

“When I joined Howarth Litchfield, I brought with me many years’ experience of working with Galliford Try, across a range of large scale and complex projects,” explains Keith. “That existing relationship and proven track record have allowed us to quickly establish the practice in this specialist sector and build on our expertise, alongside Galliford Try. Over the past year alone, we’ve delivered six live projects across five sites, with a further five or six in the pipeline — both regionally and nationally.”

Delivering in a live custodial environment

Working in secure facilities presents unique design and delivery challenges. As has been widely reported in the media, many sites are at full capacity, meaning works must be planned and executed without relocating prisoners. This requires innovative phasing, stringent security protocols and close liaison with custodial teams to minimise disruption to daily operations.

Recent Howarth Litchfield projects with Galliford Try span the North East, Yorkshire, the Midlands, and Southern England. These include schemes at high-security facilities in Durham, Stockton and Barnard Castle as well as projects in London, Wakefield and Hemel Hempstead.

The work is varied - from refurbishment and alteration works to accommodation blocks, through to feasibility studies and the design/construction of new ancillary buildings for education, catering, training and reception facilities.

One major driver is the MoJ’s Rapid Deployment Cell (RDC) Programme. While Galliford Try is not on the modular build framework, the contractor and Howarth Litchfield are creating space within existing estates to accommodate these units, which in turn triggers a need for redeveloping ancillary facilities.

“The RDC initiative is essential to helping the MoJ manage pressures on capacity,” says Matt Raynor, who heads up Galliford Try’s framework in the North East. “Our collaboration with Howarth Litchfield is enabling us to respond quickly and effectively to opportunities across the country - delivering high-quality, secure facilities that meet the Ministry’s operational needs.”

A growing national role

What began as work with Galliford Try’s North East and Yorkshire offices has evolved into a national remit. Howarth Litchfield is now supporting the contractor’s Southern, East Midlands, and West Midlands regions on custodial schemes.

Amy Surguy, Galliford Try’s national framework manager for custodial works, comments: “Keith and his team have become a trusted design partner on our MoJ projects. Their adaptability, understanding of custodial operational requirements and ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders have been instrumental in helping us maintain our reputation for delivery on this framework.”

The collaboration builds on Keith Handy’s 15-year working relationship with Galliford Try, which has included delivering major projects valued at £60–70m during his time at previous practices. His move to Howarth Litchfield brought with it that trust and track record, giving the Durham-based practice a fast track into the sector.

Regional expertise, national impact

While the firm’s custodial work stretches from the North East to London and the South West, its base in Durham remains central to its identity.

“We’re proud to be a North East practice contributing to a national programme of works that’s vital to the safe and effective operation of the prison estate,” says Keith. “The MoJ sector is highly specialist and comes with a host of operational and logistical complexities - but that’s where our strengths in problem-solving, collaboration and pragmatic design really come to the fore.”

With custodial estates under unprecedented pressure for capacity and modernisation, the MoJ framework is expected to remain a busy workstream for the coming years. For Howarth Litchfield, it’s an opportunity to continue building on its track record, deepening its relationship with Galliford Try and delivering secure, functional and sustainable facilities across the country.