Derwentside immigration removal centre (IRC)

Operation of Derwentside IRC started in September 2021 with female only accommodation. The former Secure Training Centre previously operated by the Ministry of Justice closed in 2015 and extensive refurbishment works have been undertaken to restore the facility.

Replacing Yarl’s Wood as the main IRC for detained women, the services provided are based upon the current best practices for IRCs and provide increased staffing levels, improved use of modern technology within the IRC and enhanced investment in resident activity and welfare services; important steps in modernising the immigration detention estate.

Care & Custody are responsible for delivering the end to end management of all detainees needs until the outcome of their case is decided by the Home Office – removal or temporary admission into the UK. This is balanced against the competing pressures of safety, security, welfare needs and regime.

Our aim is to treat those in our care with dignity, decency and respect, delivering a safe and healthy establishment which stands up to public scrutiny. We operate in a high risk, high profile and heavily regulated environment engaging with numerous stakeholders including the Home Office and Medical Service delivery partners. In delivering our services, we help detainees understand what happens next, provide an environment for them to engage in activities relevant to them and create an environment in which they can reach out for support whilst building positive staff-detainee relationships. Our environment is one where positive behaviour is promoted in order to support the welfare of those in our care, and our staff.

Where we are

You can find us at the below address:

Derwentisde IRC
Corbridge Road
Consett
DH8 6QY

We are located off Corbridge Road (B6309) to the north of Consett.

View map

Visitors to Derwentside IRC

Visiting hours at the IRC are between 9am and 9pm every day. Last entry to the centre will be at 8.15pm.

If you are wishing to visit a resident at Derwentside, you will need to contact us on the below number:

01207 260 221

Any bookings must be made with a minimum of 24 hours notice. Please be aware that any visits booked outside of this notice period require further authorisation and will considered by the Centre Manager.

Once your booking has been made you will receive a confirmation email with full details as well as a supporting information guide outlining visitation rules and regulations. If you’re need of collection/drop off within the local area, please let us know upon booking and we will make arrangements where possible.

Visitor ID

As per Home Office requirements, all visitors over the age of 18 must present the following ID prior to entry:

One of the following:

  • A passport (current or if expired within 5 years of expiry date). This can include foreign passports and travel documents recognised by HM Government
  • European Community identity card
  • Photographic driving licence

Or two of the following:

  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Rail or bus pass with photograph
  • Employer’s ID card or NUS student card
  • Young person’s proof of age card
  • Trade union membership card
  • Senior citizen travel pass issued by a local authority
  • Home Office ARC card (asylum support application registration card)
  • Benefits book

Please refer to Detention Service Order 04/2012 for specific requirements by the Home Office for visiting immigration removal centres in the UK, found here.

From the A1(M):

  • At junction 62 of the A1(M), take the A690 exit to Sunderland/Durham/Consett/A691 for 0.3 mi
  • At Carrville Interchange, take the 1st exit onto A690 for 1.8 mi
  • At Gilesgate Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Leazes Rd/A690 for 0.7 mi
  • Use the left lane to turn right at Millburngate for 157 ft
  • Continue onto Framwellgate/A691
  • Continue to follow A691 for 0.6 mi
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Southfield Way/A691
  • Go through 1 roundabout
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A691 for 2.4 mi
  • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on A691 for 0.5 mi
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on A691 for 7.1 mi
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Durham Rd/B6309
  • Continue to follow B6309
  • Destination will be on the left

The best linked train stations are either Durham (DHM) or Newcastle (NCL), with both stations receiving trains from across the country.

From Durham Station:

  • Walk to Milburngate (approx. 5 minutes from the station) and look for Stand M
  • The X5 bus will take you to Consett Bus Station, and takes approximately 40 minutes
  • From Consett Bus Station, look for Stand A
  • The X71 will take you to either Pretoria Club or West View bus stop (approx. 10 minutes)
  • From either bus stop, it is a short walk to the Derwentside road entrance

From Newcastle Station:

  • Walk to St Nicholas’ Street, and look for High Level Bridge North End bus stop
  • Take the X71 bus direct to West View bus stop (approx. 45 minutes)

From West View bus stop, it’s a short walk to the Derwentside entrance

Prohibited items

There are a number of items which are forbidden from entry to the IRC. A full list can be provided on request or during the booking process.

Typically, mobile phones/smart devices, cash or sharp objects are not allowed to be held in possession upon entry to the IRC.

All visitors are subject to a search and the concealing of any forbidden items could result in refusal of entry or referral to the local police.

Any personal effects or items that do not meet the entry criteria can be safely stored in one of the small lockers provided on site for the duration of your visit.