The province is getting closer to building the long-awaited replacement for HMP.

That’s according to Justice Minister John Hogan who says the location for the new facility has already been identified in the St. John’s area. Hogan says the new facility will accommodate a more modern approach to corrections—a far cry from the approach used in the mid-1800s when part of the current penitentiary was originally built.

He says plans are currently underway and they’re working with stakeholders about what the facility should look like. They intend to incorporate recreation, and education programs into the new design as well as health and mental health facilities.

No timeline on construction is currently available.