On 1 April 2009, the two prisons (along with Camp Hill which closed in 2013) were merged with each site retaining their old names.

The idea for re-organising the three island prisons was suggested in October 2008 as a way of improving efficiency across the three sites.

On the day of the launch the prison union slammed the move stating that it had only been done to save money, and would become more of a danger to the public.

The Ministry of Justice stated that other similar schemes such as one in the Isle of Sheppey had proved a success and that although there would be a saving of around £1 million this was only being done through better economies and that there was no added danger to the public.

The person the men were trying to free was actually located in the Camp Hill site at the time.