Shepton Mallet Prison to remain open to the public after takeover
It's one of the oldest prisons in the world
Shepton Mallet Prison is set to remain open to the public - preventing its conversion into residential housing.
It comes after Cove Group bought it from the Ministry of Justice in a deal to preserve the 400-year-old site.
The prison, one of the oldest in the world, will now undergo extensive investment and be kept as an historical visitor attraction.
On the prison's website, Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group, expressed his excitement:
“This marks the biggest step forward in our 10-year relationship with Shepton Mallet Prison. From our initial a bid to buy it from the MOJ to the recent threat of closure, our dedication has never wavered."
"Now, after months of intense negotiations, we have secured the future of Shepton Mallet Prison, protecting it from the threat of closure, preserving its historical significance, and securing jobs for its dedicated staff.’’