The Department of Home Affairs has officially taken responsibility of the new prison in Jurby this afternoon (Tuesday).

Work on the site was completed on Friday and now the focus is on fitting individual door and gate locks and specialised security systems.

Prison officers are also being familiarised with their new operational requirements.

Minister Martyn Quayle (pictured) says efforts are focused on commissioning the new facility for the Isle of Man as soon as possible.

The new facility is the Government’s largest current capital project at ?41.7million.

It will have a total of 138 prisoner places, compared with 92 places at Victoria Road, Douglas, and improved educational and rehabilitation provisions.