Hässleholm is one of several Skåne municipalities that are interested in establishing a prison with 250-300 seats. This can mean up to 250 jobs. In total, the Prison and Probation Service has had meetings with five different municipalities in Skåne that have submitted a declaration of interest to receive a prison.

Hässleholm Municipality's investigation proposes six possible investments in Hässleholm, Vinslöv and Sösdala. Some of the municipality's selection criteria are that the prison should be no more than one kilometer from a bus stop or train station, and accommodate an area of ​​about 30 hectares.

Other criteria are that the site should not be close to high buildings or have too high level differences, nor be located near industrial areas or at larger watercourses.

Want to create new jobs

- The municipality of Hässleholm has lost several government agencies and jobs in recent years. I therefore look forward to exploring the possibilities of establishing a larger institution that would mean new jobs in Hässleholm, says Lars Johnsson (M), chairman of the municipal council, in a press release

The Committee on the Environment and Urban Building raised the issue on Wednesday and proposes to the committee to approve the investigation. The investigation will later be used in the municipal administration's dialogue with the Prison and Probation Service.

- The main reason we want a prison unit here is that we want as many jobs as possible. At the same time, we have all communication, those who work can easily get here from large and small places, ”says Kenny Hansson (M), chairman of the Environment and Community Building Board.

Takes many years

After the Svedala residents voted no to a new prison last spring, other Skåne municipalities showed interest. Building a new facility is a long process, according to the Prison and Probation Service. This entails high costs and requires long-term financing. From the decision on where the facility is to be built, the process is estimated to take about eight years before it can be put into operation.

- After the Kirseberg facility in Malmö closed, there is a need for a new one in Skåne. But it is at an early stage. During the autumn, we have had meetings with five Skåne municipalities that have reported interest. We are keen to create an overall picture and let everyone speak, says Viktoria Rydholm, head of the Prison and Probation Service's property unit.