The Government has signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement for the first redevelopment phase of Christchurch Men's Prison, formally locking in the project and clearing the way for construction to begin later this year, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell announced today.

The Project Agreement was signed this week between the Crown and Southern Renewal Partners (SRP) and reached financial close, with construction planned to begin later this year.

"Signing the PPP to construct Christchurch Men’s Prison is a major milestone for one of the Government's most significant infrastructure projects and another step forward in addressing New Zealand's infrastructure deficit,” Mr Bishop says.

"The redevelopment of Christchurch Men's Prison was a flagship announcement at last year's Infrastructure Investment Summit, demonstrating our commitment to partnering with the private sector to deliver and look after the modern infrastructure New Zealand needs.

"This project will provide a significant boost for Canterbury, supporting up to 600 jobs during construction across multiple trades, with a strong emphasis on local employment, training pathways, and opportunities for New Zealand businesses."

Mark Mitchell says Christchurch Men's Prison is the South Island's primary high-security prison, serving some of New Zealand's busiest courts and the largest geographic catchment area of any prison.

"This is a major milestone for the future resilience of our corrections system," Mr Mitchell says.

"Our Government’s focus on restoring law and order has meant there are tougher consequences for crime and more violent criminals off the streets. As a result, there is a growing need for more capacity in our prison system.

"The redevelopment of Christchurch Men's Prison will create additional capacity and replace ageing infrastructure with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities designed to keep our communities safe, support frontline Corrections staff, and provide prisoners with effective rehabilitation to reduce reoffending."

Phase One of the redevelopment will deliver a new high-security accommodation unit with 240 additional prison beds, an Intervention and Support Building providing 52 specialist mental health beds, and a new Health Centre delivering a range of healthcare services for prisoners.

The PPP covers the design, construction, and long-term maintenance of the new facilities, while Corrections will continue to operate the prison and provide custodial services.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2029, with the new facilities expected to become operational by mid-2030.