Oakington immigration removal centre
About the centre
Oakington is an immigration removal centre run under detention Centre Rules (2001). The centre was formally an RAF base and has been in operation since 2000. There is no long-term future for the centre; it will, however, remain in operation until required for development by the current owners.
Address and contact information
Oakington Reception Centre
Oakington Barracks
Longstanton
Nr Cambridge
CB24 3EJ
Phone: 01954 783000
Fax: 01954 789699
Description
The centre was formerly an RAF base and has been in operation since March 2000. The planned closure of the site in 2006 was postponed, and it is now intended that the centre will remain open until at least December 2009.
UK Border Agency manager: Susan Ward
Contact information
Oakington is managed by G4S on behalf of the UK Border Agency. Centre manager: Colin Hodgkins
Reception times
No time restrictions.
Bed spaces
The centre has a capacity of 408 beds for male detainees
Facilities include:
- Fitness suite
- Education classes in English, IT and arts and crafts
- Internet facility
- Library
- Pool tables
- Free play games machines
- Televisions
- Organised sports
- Table tennis
- Shop
- Paid work opportunities
Directions
By train and bus
From London Kings Cross (usually platform 9 or 11 in the annex) to Cambridge. A contract bus service operates from Cambridge station to Oakington (Kings Ferry Coaches yellow vehicles) and leaves Cambridge station at 0845, 0945, 1115, 1245, 1345, 1515, 1630 and 1800.
If you cannot see the G4S bus, do not get on another bus to Oakington. The centre is located in the next village of Longstanton. Alternatively, a taxi costs approximately £15.
By car
M11 around Cambridge A14 northbound towards Huntingdon (ignore the turn off to Oakington). Take the next exit to Bar Hill, Longstanton, Willingham and Earith. Take third exit from roundabout over the A14 flyover (effectively turning right onto the B1050 from the direction you were travelling on the A14). After a mile and a half, take the right fork signpost to Immigration Centre and Longstanton. Go straight over the crossroads past the church and housing on the left.
The centre is located a few hundred yards further on your right.
Visits
Visitors attending the centre will need to book 24 hours in advance and provide photographic ID (such as a passport or driving licence) and a utility bill on arrival. Visitors will be subject to search procedures. Food and drink is not permitted in the visits hall. Automated snacks and drinks machines are available.
Phone: 01954 783194 to make an appointment, or
Email: Oaking reception
Visiting hours daily: 0930 to 1130, 1400 to 1700 & 1800 to 2100
Other information
Detention services now operate a policy which restricts the amount of baggage detainees can have in the centre.