The Queensland Government has selected CPB Contractors, a company within the CIMIC Group, as managing contractor for the Townsville Correction Centre Capacity Uplift Project in Queensland, Australia.
The project contract is expected to generate A$730m ($524m) in revenue for CPB Contractors.
The work will add 200 cells accommodating 400 new beds, together with security upgrades at the site.
CPB Contractors will carry out the project alongside the Department of Housing and Public Works (DHPW) and Queensland Corrective Services (QCS).
According to the companies, the additional capacity will expand prison places and help "restore safety in Queensland".
CIMIC Group CEO Jason Spears said: “These upgrades are essential to strengthening system resilience, maintaining safe operations and supporting the wellbeing of Townsville Correctional Centre’s frontline workforce.
“CPB Contractors’ security-led, safety-first approach underpinned by proven systems, an experienced delivery team and rigorous accountability in live correctional environments, shapes our staging strategy and construction methodology to ensure efficient delivery and certainty of outcome for DHPW and Queensland Corrective Services.”
The contractor has previously worked on custodial facilities for the Queensland Government, including the Capricornia Correctional Centre and Lotus Glen Correctional Centre Redevelopment.
CPB Contractors managing director Craig Nuttall said: “With decades of experience building correctional facilities to the highest standard, CPB Contractors is committed to delivering this next stage of works safely and with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
“Building on our long-standing history delivering major projects for the Queensland government, including the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre Redevelopment and Capricornia Correctional Centre, we look forward to continuing our established relationships in Townsville and across the North Queensland region to deliver lasting community benefits through training, employment and procurement opportunities.”
The Townsville Correctional Complex sits 15km from Townsville. Its male and female secure centres operate as reception and remand facilities, both holding mainstream prisoners, with the male centre also housing protection prisoners.
Employment opportunities for prisoners are supported by on-site operations such as a laundry, a tailor shop, a metal shop, kitchens, and farm industries.
Earlier this month, CPB Contractors began piling at the new Bundaberg Hospital, marking the shift from early works to major construction on the A$1.2bn ($852m) Queensland health project.
