Wandsworth is the largest prison in the UK, currently able to hold 1665 prisoners. Alongside Liverpool, which is of similar size, it is one of the largest prisons in Western Europe.
The prison was built in 1851, and the residential areas remain in the original buildings. Since 1989, there has been extensive refurbishment and modernisation of the wings, including in-cell sanitation, privacy screens for cells occupied by more than one prisoner and the more recent installation of in-cell electricity.
Address:
PO Box 757
Heathfield Road
Wandsworth
London
SW18 3HS
Tel: 020 8588 4000
Fax: 020 8588 4001
Governor: Dave Taylor
Operational Capacity: 1665 as of 1st May 2009
Accommodation: The Heathfield Centre (main prison) has five wings each with four landings, used as follows:
- A and B wings – general population wings holding remand and convicted prisoners
- C wing – Induction Wing
- D wing - convicted prisoners
- E wing – First Night Centre, Care and separation unit, and detox
The Onslow Centre (vulnerable prisoners unit) has 3 wings and holds approximately 360 prisoners.
The Mick Knight Centre is a drug treatment unit for prisoners involved in RAPt.
The Kearney Unit is for prisoners involved in a programme addressing alcohol misuse.
Reception Criteria: Normal reception arrangements: Wandsworth is a local male prison, it accepts all suitable prisoners from courts in its catchment area.
