Cove Group Acquires Historic Shepton Mallet Prison in Landmark Deal

Cove Group Acquires Historic Shepton Mallet Prison in Landmark Deal

Today, we are beyond thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of Shepton Mallet Prison, The World’s Oldest Prison. This landmark deal guarantees the preservation and future development of this iconic heritage site as a premier global tourism destination.

For years, Cove Group has been the passionate driving force behind Shepton Mallet Prison’s success, operating it as a beloved tourist attraction since 2017. The vision for transforming Shepton Mallet Prison into a world class tourist attraction was conceived by Joel Campbell, Cove Group’s founder and CEO. Despite an unsuccessful bid to purchase the prison from the Ministry of Justice in 2014, Cove Group’s dedication never wavered, even as the prison faced threats of closure, most recently in December 2023.

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.’’

With the exchange of contracts now complete and full completion expected in the coming months, Cove Group is eager to begin extensive investment and development plans. While specific details are still being finalised, one certainty is that the historic prison will not be subjected to any residential housing developments within its walls.

Years of limited investment due to restrictive lease terms have left the prison in a tired state. Now, as owners, Cove Group is poised to inject significant funds into the site, ensuring it is restored and enhanced for future generations to appreciate.

“This acquisition is not just about preserving history; it’s about celebrating and revitalising it. We are overjoyed to embark on this journey of transformation, ensuring that Shepton Mallet Prison remains a beacon of heritage tourism for generations to come.” Joel Campbell, Cove Group CEO.

Cove Group boasts a stellar reputation in the tourism industry with successful ventures like Shrewsbury Prison, a top tourist attraction known for its award-winning operations. With the upcoming development of a boutique hotel, Shrewsbury Prison has set a high bar for heritage tourism. The future development of Shepton Mallet Prison promises to surpass even these high standards, offering visitors an unparalleled historical experience.

This latest deal not only secures the future of Shepton Mallet Prison but also strengthens Cove Group’s position as a leader in heritage tourism and historic property development. Stay tuned for more updates as Cove Group embarks on this exciting journey to preserve and enhance Shepton Mallet Prison for future generations.