BY SANZIANA TIMIS AND HOLLIE HUGHES





The expansion of Cessnock’s Correctional Centre is progressing as planned following the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion-dollar investment.





The first accommodation block is now being installed in the facility which begun construction in November 2017.

The new maximum-security wing will provide the facility with an additional 330-beds, with a further 1000-beds to be available by mid-2019.


Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot Macdonald says the continued construction of the new accommodation blocks will provide a large number of jobs for Cessnock residents.






“Up to 280 jobs are being created during the construction while around 70 jobs will be created upon completion which will have a positive effect on the Hunter economy.”






Commisioner of Corrective Services NSW Peter Severin says a temporary visits facility is currently operational while modification of the existing visits building commences this week.






“The expansion will see the construction of a health clinic, a sports and exercise area and 4000sqm programs and industries building, which will provide an outlet for innmates to address their rehabilitation needs.”



State Government officials inspect the Correctional Centre’s Progress.