Immigration removal centres
This section provides information on the immigration removal centres around the United Kingdom.
Brook House
The latest addition to the UK Border Agency's network of 11 removal centres, Brook House is situated alongside Tinsley House (see below) near Gatwick Airport.
Campsfield
Campsfield House is located approximatelyfive miles north of Oxford and has been in operation since 1993.
Colnbrook
Opened in August 2004, Colnbrook is in a prime location adjacent to Heathrow Airport.
Dover
Dover immigration removal centre is situated on the Western Heights overlooking the port of Dover. In 1957 the site became a centre for young offenders, and in2002 it was re-designated for immigration use.
Dungavel
Dungavel House was built as a shooting lodge, formally used as a prison and is situated on the B743 between Muirkirk and Strathaven.
Harmondsworth
Harmondsworth is in a prime location adjacent to Heathrow Airport and is neighbour to the Colnbrook centre (see above).
Expansion of the detention estate
The Government is committed to a policy of a fair and robust immigration system. Expanding the number of removal centres is a critical part of our plans to increase the rate of removal of failed asylum seekers andillegal immigrants, and to allow the fast removal of those who come to the United Kingdom and break the rules.
Haslar
Haslar was built in 1864 as Naval barracks, and was used as such until 1953. In 1962 it was opened as a detention centre for young offenders, and in June 1989 it re-opened in its current form after being re-designated to hold immigration detainees.
Lindholme
Situated next to Lindholme prison, this immigration removal centre was once part of RAF Lindholme. It has been used to accommodate immigration detainees since 2000.
Oakington
Formerly an RAF base, Oakingtonhas been in operation since 2000. There is no long-term future for the centre. but it will remain in operation until required for development.
Tinsley House
Tinsley House is managed by GSL UK Ltd on behalf of the UK Border Agency. The purpose-built centre, adjacent to Gatwick Airport, has been in operation since 1996.
Yarl's Wood
Yarl's Wood is situated on the outskirts of Clapham inBedfordshire, and was opened in November 2001. After half of the building was damaged by fire in February 2002, the undamaged half was re-opened in September 2003.