ONE OF the biggest prison expansion projects in Victoria's history is complete.
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The new look Hopkins Correctional Centre was officially opened on Thursday.
The medium-security prison has doubled in size and now has the capacity to accommodate more than 700 prisoners.
Construction spanned more than five years and the number of staff employed at the facility has risen from 160 in 2010 to 340 today. An additional 70 contractors are also employed.
It wasn't unusual for there to be upwards of 400 workers on site at any one time during the construction phase.
Corrections Minister Wade Noonan was on hand for the opening. He said the expansion sought to balance community protection with prisoner rehabilitation.
"I suppose for most Victorians they don't get to look inside a prison unless they have done the wrong thing or unless they work inside one," Mr Noonan said.
"This prison very much resembles a suburb and has neighbourhoods.
"We can all take pride in the fact that the design of this prison is as good as any in Australia."
Mr Noonan said the expansion was in response to an increase in prisoner numbers across the state.
"The staff here have done a fantastic job working and operating a prison at a time when there has been substantial construction on site," he said.
"It's also a credit to the community which has played a very constructive part in terms of the expansion.
"The workforce of essentially more than 400 makes it the largest employer in Ararat and that is a driver of other economic opportunities in the region."
The centre's General Manager Pat McCormick also paid tribute to the efforts of those involved.
"We did not have one serious incident related to construction activity over the five years," he said.
"That is a remarkable achievement and a credit to all inolved."
Mr Noonan said the new design aims to promote pro-social behaviour, improve the safety of both staff and prisoners, and reduce the likelihood of released inmates returning to prison.
"There a range of programs, services and activities to address the identified risks and needs of prisoners and to reduce their risk of reoffending," he said.
"New areas for industries and education enable the prison to deliver more relevant jobs programs to prepare prisoners for reintegration back into the wider community.
"All prisoners capable of work are employed full time. They work in prison industries, community gangs and services such as kitchen laundry, maintenance, cleaning and gardening."
Corrections Victoria Commissioner Jan Shuard said the community could be left in no doubt, that the modern and vibrant looking facility is still a prison.
"If you have a look around it still has prison cells, prisoners are locked in cells or cottages at night time so it has the same level of security that is required for a prison of this size and this population," she said.
