ONE of Britain’s oldest and most eerie landmarks has been saved from the brink of closure. Thanks to a last-minute deal, Shepton Mallet Prison is set to remain open as a top tourist attraction. 6 A last minute deal saved Shepton Mallet Prison from the brink of closure 6 The prison remains open as a tourist attraction The 400-year-old Somerset prison was facing the grim prospect of being converted into luxury flats.
But now, its future is secured, with new owners Cove Group swooping in to preserve its history and keep the gates open to the public. The prison has housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals—including the infamous Kray twins. Cove Group, which has been managing the prison since 2017, struck a deal with the Ministry of Justice to buy the site after months of nail-biting negotiations.
CEO Joel Campbell said: "This marks the biggest step forward in our ten-year relationship with Shepton Mallet Prison. "From our initial bid to buy it from the MoJ to the recent threat of closure, our dedication has never wavered." Previous owners, City & Country, had been eyeing a controversial redevelopment plan that would have turned the prison into luxury flats and townhouses, along with a café and ‘community heritage spaces.
’ The news sparked outrage among locals and history buffs alike, leading to a massive backlash. Most read in Travel SHOCK SIGHTING Train passengers stunned as they spot Hollywood star travelling to Edinburgh KEN YOU BELIEVE IT? Margot Robb.