Plans for the new entrance at the jail

PENTONVILLE Prison is set for a revamp to create a “more welcoming entrance” to the Victorian jail.

The imposing “Gatehouse” in Caledonian Road – where thousands of prisoners, staff and visitors pass through every year – has fallen into disrepair with several large cracks visible in the external walls and there are reports that subsidence is now a potential problem.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has now submitted plans to Islington Council to redevelop this Grade II-listed entrance and adjoining visitors’ building, as well as constructing a two-storey extension.

If approved, the main Gatehouse and visitors building will be gutted and redesigned while two temporary buildings will be erected to replace them during the works. The project is expected to take around 12 months.

“The external public face of the Gatehouse and adjoining visitor building will be fully renovated with replacement windows and render and removal of much of the existing visual clutter,” the planning application said.

Cracks in the wall at Pentonville

“The proposed replacement of the central utilitarian infill with new semi-transparent curtain walling and new signage will create a more welcoming entrance to the prison and enhance the prison’s presence in the local street-scene.”

The extension will be built behind the Gatehouse and it will only be visible from inside the prison.

The purpose of the two-storey extension is only given as to “accommodate additional space” and the internal layout of the building is omitted for “security purposes”.

The design documents add: “The proposed works are designed to provide a long-term solution to the subsidence of the building and to provide safe and continued use for the Main Gatehouse.

“In addition, as the building will be stripped out internally to facilitate the structural works, it is intended to remodel the internal layout to provide a new working environment.”

The Gatehouse is due to be revamped

While the Ministry of Justice is investing in Pentonville’s exterior walls, it has come under scrutiny for the con­dition inside the prison.

A recent inspectorate report found that there was a persistent infestation of cock­roaches and many showers were “dirty, mouldy and unfit for use”.

One wing has been closed for refurbishment and a landing has been redecorated.

The 180-year-old prison is one of the busiest jails in the country holding many prisoners on remand as they await trials in courts across London, but has regularly come under scrutiny for its conditions and the length of time inmates spend in their cells.

It is estimated that there are 33,000 “movements” through the prison gates every year.

The latest count showed there are nearly 1,000 prisoners locked up inside.

Members of the public and planning officers have until June 4 to comment on the scheme, before a decision is made on whether to grant building consent.