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
CB4 5EJ
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
Contractor info
Colin Hodgkins (Centre manager) ? Global Solutions Limited (GSL)
Oakington reception centre
Oakington Barracks
Longstanton
Nr Cambridge
CB4 4EJ
http://www.gslglobal.com/
Reception times
No time restrictions.
Bed spaces
The centre has a capacity of 352 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 and 1245.
If you can not see the Kings Ferry bus do not get on another bus to Oakington. The centre is located in the next village of Longstanton.
Alternatively a taxi costs between £14 and £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
Visiting hours daily: 1400 to 1700 & 1900 to 2100 (inclusive of weekends)
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 and fingerprinting. They will also have their photograph taken. Food and drink is not permissible in the visits hall. Automated snacks and drinks machines are available.
Other information
Detention services now operate a policy which restricts the amount of baggage detainees can have in the centre.