Fosse Way Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Leicestershire’s Modern Male Facility

Located in the industrial outskirts of Leicester, Fosse Way Prison represents one of the UK’s newest additions to the prison estate, designed with a strong focus on rehabilitation and modern incarceration practices. Officially known as HMP Fosse Way, this Category C prison offers a progressive environment for male offenders, blending advanced facilities with vocational training. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its emerging role in the justice system, or curious about life behind its walls, this guide provides a detailed exploration of Fosse Way Prison’s address, telephone number, visiting procedures, transport links, and the daily experiences of its inmates, offering an essential resource for families and researchers.

Overview of Fosse Way Prison

Fosse Way Prison, officially HMP Fosse Way, is a Category C male prison located in Glen Parva, Leicestershire. Opened in 2023, it is one of the UK’s newest prisons, with a capacity of approximately 1,715 inmates, making it one of the largest in the region. The facility primarily houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, assault, or drug-related crimes, with a focus on training and resettlement to reduce reoffending.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Fosse Way is designed with state-of-the-art facilities, including workshops, classrooms, and digital tools like in-cell technology to support education and rehabilitation. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised due to its recent opening, the prison serves a diverse population from the Midlands and beyond. Early inspections in 2023 praised its innovative design and rehabilitation programmes but noted challenges with drug use and staff integration, positioning Fosse Way as a forward-thinking yet evolving facility.

History of Fosse Way Prison

Fosse Way Prison’s history is brief but significant, as it represents a modern approach to incarceration. Opened in June 2023, it was built on the site of the former HMP Glen Parva, a young offender institution, to address prison overcrowding in the Midlands. Constructed at a cost of £286 million, the prison was designed with advanced security, sustainability, and rehabilitation in mind, featuring single cells, green energy systems, and extensive training facilities.

As a new facility, Fosse Way has quickly established itself as a key resettlement prison, introducing programmes like construction, IT, and employability training. Its opening followed years of planning by the Ministry of Justice to replace outdated facilities. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report praised its modern infrastructure and rehabilitation focus but highlighted early challenges with staff training and drug smuggling. Fosse Way’s short history reflects its ambition to set a new standard for UK prisons, balancing innovation with the complexities of managing a large population.

Fosse Way Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Fosse Way Prison is:

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in an industrial area, 4 miles south of Leicester city centre, accessible via the A426.

Fosse Way Prison Telephone Number

To contact Fosse Way Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 116 228 0000

Sourced from GOV.UK, this number connects to the main switchboard, available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For visitor bookings or specific queries, follow the prompts or request relevant extensions.

Fosse Way Prison Capacity

Fosse Way Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 1,715 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single cells across multiple houseblocks, with accessibility adaptations for some inmates. Its large capacity supports its role as a major training prison, though overcrowding is a concern as the facility reaches full operation.

How to Get to Fosse Way Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Fosse Way Prison’s location in Glen Parva offers good connectivity to Leicester, Birmingham, and Nottingham, though its semi-industrial setting requires some planning.

By Car

From Leicester city centre, take the A426 south to Tigers Road (10 minutes). From Birmingham, follow the M6 to Junction 2, then the M69 and A426 (45 minutes). From Nottingham, take the M1 south to Junction 21, then the A5460 and A426 (30 minutes). The prison is signposted off Tigers Road.

Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors, including disabled spaces. The car park is adjacent to the visitor centre, with ample spaces even during peak hours.

By Train

The nearest station is South Wigston Railway Station, 2 miles away (5-minute taxi or 10-minute bus ride). CrossCountry operates services from Leicester (5 minutes), Birmingham New Street (1 hour), and Nottingham (30 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £5–£8. Alternatively, Leicester Railway Station (4 miles) offers wider connections. Check schedules on the CrossCountry website.

By Bus

From Leicester city centre or South Wigston, the Number 85 or 86 bus (Arriva) stops on Tigers Road, a 3-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 15 minutes, taking 10 minutes from Leicester. Plan your journey using the Arriva Midlands website.

How to Book a Visit to Fosse Way Prison

Visiting Fosse Way Prison requires advance booking and compliance with security protocols. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 116 228 0000 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM). Provide the inmate’s name, prison number, and desired visit date.
2. Online Booking: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service. Register and submit your request up to 14 days in advance.
3. Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 15 minutes early for security checks, including searches and drug detection dogs.
4. Special Requirements: Request accessible facilities or child support when booking. The visitor centre offers a modern waiting area with basic facilities.

Confirmation is sent via email or phone. Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours prior to avoid restrictions.

Fosse Way Prison Visiting Times

Visiting hours, as confirmed by GOV.UK, are:

• Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
• Saturday, Sunday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
• Legal Visits: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (by appointment).

Visits last approximately 1 hour, with longer sessions for legal meetings. The visitor centre is modern and functional, with refreshments available. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

Life at Fosse Way Prison: What’s It Like for Inmates?

Life at Fosse Way Prison is structured to promote rehabilitation, leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities. Inmates live in single cells across houseblocks, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., construction, manufacturing), and work programmes. In-cell technology, such as tablets for educational courses, is a standout feature. Facilities include a gym, library, and outdoor areas, with 6–8 hours of daily out-of-cell time when staffing allows.

A 2023 inspection found that 70% of inmates felt safe, a strong figure for a new prison, but drug use, particularly cannabis and Spice, and early operational challenges remain concerns, with over 100 incidents of contraband in 2024. Mental health support is a priority but strained by staffing integration (down 10% in 2024). Positive aspects include employability programmes with links to local businesses and family contact initiatives. Inmates describe a modern, purposeful environment, with training offering hope, though teething issues with new systems can disrupt progress.

Recent News About Fosse Way Prison

Fosse Way Prison has been in the news in 2025 for its early operations and challenges:

• Vocational Training Launch: In March 2025, Fosse Way’s construction training programme trained 30 inmates, boosting employability. Leicester Mercury
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Leicestershire
• Staff Integration Challenges: A January 2025 report noted a 10% staff shortage during initial operations, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates highlight Fosse Way’s ambition to set a new standard for rehabilitation amid early operational hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fosse Way Prison

Who is held at Fosse Way Prison?

Fosse Way Prison houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences in Category C conditions, with a focus on training and resettlement.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Fosse Way, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 116 228 0000 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Fosse Way Prison accessible?

Yes, it offers ramps, accessible toilets, and parking, designed with modern accessibility in mind. Request accommodations when booking to ensure a smooth visit.

What programmes are available for inmates?

Inmates access education, vocational training, and work programmes, including IT, construction, and employability skills, though availability varies.

How safe is Fosse Way Prison?

Safety is strong, with 70% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and early operational challenges are concerns, but training and security programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family support can inspire hope and change, and Fosse Way Prison’s modern design and rehabilitation focus make these connections vital. With a capacity of 1,715 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in vocational training alongside early challenges like drug smuggling, Fosse Way is a hub of opportunity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 116 228 0000 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Tigers Road address or connect with someone at Fosse Way Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.