Construction at the site next to the existing Glen Parva Youth Offenders Institute in Leicestershire is set to start next year ahead of a 2017 opening.

Wates is believed to have beaten rivals Lend Lease and Interserve to land the deal.

Wates has confirmed that three-quarters of subcontract work will go to local suppliers within 50 miles of the site.

Up to 320 young offenders, aged between 12 and 17-years-old, will be housed in the facility, which is designed to pilot a network of secure colleges across England and Wales.

The pioneering fortified school will provide strong discipline while focusing on rehabilitation and education.

It will have a headteacher or principal at the core of a leadership team made up of educational professionals and offender managers.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said: “The development of a secure college is a pioneering approach to tackling the reoffending rates of young people, putting education at the heart of custody.

“This project will bring major benefits to the economy and indeed to the local community in the long-term.”