Parc Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Bridgend’s Modern Male Facility

Located in the town of Bridgend, Wales, Parc Prison serves as a significant facility in the UK’s prison system, balancing security and rehabilitation for male offenders. Officially known as HMP/YOI Parc, this Category B prison, operated privately by G4S, offers a structured environment focused on training and resettlement. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its role in the justice system, or curious about life behind its walls, this guide provides a detailed exploration of Parc 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 Parc Prison

Parc Prison, officially HMP/YOI Parc, is a Category B male prison and young offender institution located in Bridgend, Wales. Opened in 1997, it is a modern facility with a capacity of approximately 1,719 inmates, making it one of the largest prisons in the UK. The facility houses adult male prisoners and young offenders (aged 18–21), including those on remand, serving short to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, assault, or drug-related crimes.

Managed by G4S on behalf of His Majesty’s Prison Service, Parc is known for its extensive rehabilitation programmes, including education, vocational training, and therapeutic interventions, supported by modern facilities like workshops and classrooms. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised in recent years, the prison serves a diverse population from Wales and beyond. Recent inspections praise its training opportunities but highlight challenges with drug use and staff shortages, positioning Parc as a dynamic yet complex facility.

History of Parc Prison

Parc Prison opened in November 1997, built as a privately managed prison by G4S to address prison overcrowding in Wales. Designed with modern security and rehabilitation spaces, it features single and double cells, advanced workshops, and educational facilities. The prison’s construction was part of a 1990s initiative to expand and modernise the UK’s prison estate through private sector involvement.

Key milestones include the introduction of employability programmes in the 2000s and the expansion of its young offender facilities in the 2010s. Early inspections praised its modern infrastructure but noted challenges with staff training under private management. Upgrades in 2005 and 2018 enhanced its security and educational facilities, addressing issues like contraband smuggling. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its resettlement programmes but flagged concerns about drug smuggling and staffing challenges. Parc’s history reflects its role as a modern, privately run prison, balancing rehabilitation with operational complexities.

Parc Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Parc Prison is:

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a semi-urban area, 2 miles north of Bridgend town centre, accessible via the A4061.

Parc Prison Telephone Number

To contact Parc Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1656 300200

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.

Parc Prison Capacity

Parc Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 1,719 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across several houseblocks, with accessibility adaptations for some inmates. Its large capacity supports its role as a training prison, though overcrowding has been reported during peak periods.

How to Get to Parc Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Parc Prison’s semi-urban location in Bridgend offers good connectivity to Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport.

By Car: From Bridgend town centre, take the A4061 north to Heol Hopcyn John (5 minutes). From Cardiff, follow the M4 west to Junction 36, then the A4061 (25 minutes). From Swansea, take the M4 east to Junction 36, then the A4061 (30 minutes). The prison is signposted off Heol Hopcyn John.

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 Bridgend Railway Station, 2 miles away (5-minute taxi or 10-minute bus ride). Transport for Wales operates services from Cardiff (20 minutes), Swansea (30 minutes), and Newport (30 minutes). Taxis from the station cost £5–£8. Check schedules on the Transport for Wales website.

By Bus: From Bridgend, the Number 65 or 66 bus (First Cymru) stops near Heol Hopcyn John, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 15 minutes, taking 10 minutes from Bridgend Bus Station. Plan your journey using the First Cymru website.

How to Book a Visit to Parc Prison

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

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1656 300200 (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 waiting area and family-friendly facilities.

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

Parc 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 welcoming, with a play area and refreshments for families. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

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

Life at Parc Prison is structured to balance rehabilitation and security, leveraging its modern facilities. Inmates live in single or double cells across houseblocks, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., construction, catering), and therapeutic programmes, particularly for young offenders. 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 65% of inmates felt safe, but drug use, particularly cannabis and Spice, and violence remain challenges, with over 200 assault incidents in 2024. Mental health support is improving but strained, with self-harm rates above average, particularly among young offenders. Positive aspects include employability programmes with links to local businesses and family contact initiatives. Inmates describe a purposeful environment, with training offering a sense of achievement, though tensions from drug use and staffing shortages (down 10% in 2024) can disrupt progress.

Recent News About Parc Prison

Parc Prison has been in the news in 2025 for its rehabilitation efforts and challenges:

• Vocational Training Success: In March 2025, Parc’s catering training programme placed 20 inmates in jobs post-release. Wales Online
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Wales
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 10% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates highlight Parc’s commitment to rehabilitation amid operational hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parc Prison

Who is held at Parc Prison?

Parc Prison houses adult male prisoners and young offenders (18–21), including those on remand, serving short to long-term sentences in Category B conditions.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Parc, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1656 300200 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Parc Prison accessible?

Yes, it offers ramps, accessible toilets, and parking. Request accommodations when booking to ensure a smooth visit.

What programmes are available for inmates?

Inmates access education, vocational training, and therapeutic programmes, including IT, construction, catering, and behaviour support, though availability varies.

How safe is Parc Prison?

Safety is moderate, with 65% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and violence 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 Parc Prison’s focus on rehabilitation makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 1,719 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in vocational training alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Parc is a hub of opportunity and complexity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1656 300200 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Heol Hopcyn John address or connect with someone at Parc Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.