Shepton Mallet Prison to remain open in the New Year
It was supposed to shut on the second of January because of a row between the operator and landlord over money
The Shepton Mallet Prison will remain open in the New Year - in a major u-turn following the decision just last month to close the 400-year-old site.
Just last month, the team called the decision to close the popular attraction 'heart breaking and heart wrenching', but explained that their 'efforts to secure the prison's future were met with obstacles and a lack of support from the prison’s owners City & Country, leading to this heart-wrenching decision'.
Now, though, and just days before Christmas, they say after talks with the operators, Cove Group, and the landlords, City & Country Group, the world's oldest prison will now stay open, adding they're 'looking forward' to talks over its long term future.
The building and visitor attraction, which has been a cornerstone of Somerset's for centuries, provides a 'unique glimpse into the past' to visitors, and is said to be extremely important to the local community.
Joel Campbell CEO Cove Group said: “We are optimistic about our forthcoming discussions with City & Country and relieved on behalf of our hard-working staff who now know that their jobs are secure into the new year.
"We would like to thank the local community for their support in recent weeks and hope that this continues as we remain open for business.”
The original decision to close
Back in November, their post online said: "We are deeply saddened to share that Shepton Mallet Prison is scheduled to close on 2nd January 2024. This heart-breaking decision comes after years of dedication to preserving this historic site. The closure will impact our dedicated team and the entire community who have embraced us."
CEO of Cove Group, which has managed the prison since 2017, Joel Campbell, said: "This is an incredibly sad time for myself and our amazing team at Shepton Mallet Prison This now marks the end of our chapter in the prison's long story. We hope those that have not been yet will visit us in these remaining weeks, to walk the corridors one last time, and to remember the importance of preserving our past for the sake of our future."
A statement from the owners of the prison, City & Country said their agreement with Cove Group meant no rent was owed, in exchange for insurance costs being covered, and the guarantee that the buildings didn't deteriorate.
City & Country also say that some electrical testing, which was required to take place earlier this year wasn't complete and they argue that it not only "puts the buildings and users at risk" but also risks "insurers would not pay out in the event of a claim".
"Being custodians of such important and historic buildings comes with a vast responsibility as well as with considerable costs. We need to make sure that we take our responsibility seriously to ensure the future of this building remains a priority and as such, we will now be considering options for its continued use."
Read more: 'Heart-wrenching decision' to close Shepton Mallet prison