OVERCROWDING and calls for the modernisation of Stanley Prison have prompted the Southern District Board to allow its redevelopment.
The board yesterday endorsed a $700 million four-year project which will allow an extra 700 prisoners and several hundred staff.
The committee heard the territory's 20 penal institutions were overcrowded by 25 per cent and the redevelopment was the best long-term solution.
The board welcomed the plan but some members expressed concern over extra traffic caused by visitors for the additional inmates.
But a Transport Department spokesman said he expected no major increase in traffic near the prison. He said the existing roads could handle more vehicles.
Correctional Services Department spokesman Patrick Wong Wing-kit said approval of the redevelopment was essential to reduce overcrowding.