Hopkins Correctional Centre is a medium protection prison located in Ararat's East. It has 798 beds for prisoners, but the upgrade will allow for 840.

But a spokesperson from the Department of Justice and Community Safety said increasing the prison's capacity is only part of what the works will achieve.

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"The works at Hopkins Correctional Centre will include replacing existing accommodation cells, installing new accommodation cells and associated infrastructure, additional facilities for programs, fencing and landscaping works," the spokesperson said.

Formerly known as Ararat Prison, Hopkins Correctional Centre opened in 1967, replacing the century-old Ballarat Gaol.

In 2015, works were completed on a significant extension that allowed the facility to accommodate an additional 350 prisoners and creates more than 100 permanent jobs.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2022.

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