The prison closed on 23 December 2016 Faced with overcrowding in regional prisons, the National Offender Management Service in December 2006 planned a new facility on the East Site of Ashworth Hospital, which it leases from Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

[1] In April 2010, The Howard League for Penal Reform rated Kennet as the most overcrowded prison in England and Wales.

[2] In May 2016 it was announced that the National Offender Management Service will close Kennet Prison by July 2017, less than 10 years after it opened.

Accommodation at the prison was divided between seven units, predominantly containing double occupancy cells with integral sanitation, showers on all landings, purpose built serveries, and association facilities.

There was a visitors centre at Kennet Prison, with facilities including a children's play area and refreshments.