HMP Berwyn: Facilities and inmates inside the UK's largest prison

Opened in 2017, HMP Berwyn is a category C training and resettlement prison for North Wales and North West England, and can accommodate up to 2,100 male prisoners.

In comparison, this is more than all four South Wales prisons put together according to HMP Berwyn Governor, Nick Leader.

Speaking on an MoJ Justice Jobs video, Mr Leader said: "HMP Berwyn is the newest, biggest, public sector prison in the UK. 

"But it's not just about that, we really have got the facilities that enable men to change their lives."

HMP Berwyn can house up to 2100 prisoners (Image: Canva)

The prison is split into three houses, the first, Bala, was opened in February 2017, while the other two - Alwen and Ceiriog were opened in the autumn.

Each section can hold different communities including one area designated for armed forces veterans.

HMP Berwyn prison facilities

Over 2000 men currently live at Berwyn, according to the UK Government website, in a mixture of single and shared rooms.

All rooms have a shower, toilet, hand basin and a phone for outgoing calls.

Each prisoner is given a Unilink laptop for making applications, ordering canteen items, booking visits, and accessing news or educational materials.

Prisoners have access to a full-sized sports hall, weights and fitness room and outdoor pitches.

There are fitness programmes available including a range of team sports and classes leading to accredited qualifications.

Berwyn Prison also has a diverse, multi-faith chaplaincy team providing support to prisoners. 

HMP Berwyn provides its men with access to a wide range of education and training opportunities with the aim of helping them increase their chances of employment when they return to their communities.

There are 12 workshops where men can make products such as furniture, or work in the on-site call centre or DHL distribution centre.

Individuals can earn qualifications in areas such as manufacturing operations and customer service.

There is also a state-of-the-art resettlement hub which provides an opportunity for individuals to meet work coaches and access training to prepare them for employment.

Training in a variety of trades and professions including bricklaying, joinery, plastering and industrial cleaning is available.

Plus, men have access to a range of vocational qualifications such as digital media, business enterprise, and information and communications technology (ICT).

HMP Berwyn’s men also have access to a broad programme of learning opportunities – including basic skills such as literacy, Welsh and numeracy.

HMP Berwyn prisoners

Khuram Razaq

Khuram Razaq was found to be having a relationship with a former prison officer during her time at HMP Berwyn. (Image: PA)

Razaq, is serving 12 years for conspiracy to robbery.

In 2019, while in Berwyn Prison, he was dealt a further eight-month jail term after he pleaded guilty to possessing a smartwatch and a mobile phone in prison.

This sentence came after he was found to be having a relationship with a prison officer where the pair exchanged explicit videos and live footage on mobile phones.

Judge, Niclas Parry, at the 2019 hearing said: "You are clearly a dangerous man. Before the age of 30, you have received two sentences in double figures."

Gary Monaghan

The 74-year-old died earlier this year nine years into his life sentence at HMP Berwyn. 

He was one of three people found guilty of beating 60-year-old Glenn Clary to death.

Matthew Selby

Matthew Selby was jailed after killing his 15-year-old sister. (Image: PA)

Selby was jailed after killing his 15-year-old sister at a holiday park.

The 20-year-old attacked his sister Amanda after an argument in a caravan at the Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn, North Wales, on Saturday, July 31 last year.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was originally given an extended sentence of 10 years – made up of a five-year custodial term and five years on an extended licence.

His sentence has now been upgraded to a life sentence.

HMP Berwyn jobs

You can apply to be a prison officer at HMP Berwyn via the HMP Prison and Probation Office website.

The position offers a starting salary of £30,702 for a 39-hour week including 20% unsocial. 

The job description reads: "One career, many roles. 

"As a prison officer, you’ll be part of a diverse team, making an impact, doing meaningful work in our prisons.

"Working in a prison is fast-paced and varied, and no two days are the same.

"You’ll work with a range of people and perform a variety of tasks – from keeping the prison safe and secure, to helping vulnerable people through a difficult time in their lives.

"Once you’ve qualified, you’ll have a range of opportunities to specialise and progress your career and earning potential.

"It can be a challenging job, but in return you will get good pay, training, benefits and have the support of a strong team."

HMP Berwyn address

The HMP Berwyn is located on Bridge Road on the Wrexham Industrial Estate in North Wales. The postcode is LL13 9QE. 

You can contact the prison via phone by calling 01978 523 000. This phone is monitored 24 hours.