Cove Group Acquires Shepton Mallet Prison

Cove Group Acquires Shepton Mallet Prison: A Historic New Chapter Begins

A Major Milestone in British Heritage

Cove Group is proud to announce the official purchase of Shepton Mallet Prison, securing the future of one of Britain’s most historic landmarks. After years of uncertainty and challenges, this acquisition ensures that the World’s Oldest Prison will be preserved, restored, and developed for generations to come.

This moment marks the culmination of a decade-long journey driven by Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group, who first envisioned this project in 2009. For years, Shepton Mallet Prison has faced significant challenges, with no substantial investment in its upkeep. Despite these limitations, the dedicated team at Cove Attractions has worked relentlessly to maintain, operate, and breathe life into the site, delivering exceptional visitor experiences with limited resources under a highly restrictive lease. Their passion and commitment have kept the prison’s stories alive, engaging thousands of visitors each year.

Now, with full ownership, Cove Group has the freedom and vision to finally invest in the prison’s future, ensuring this extraordinary landmark not only survives but thrives.

Joel Campbell: A Vision 10+ Years in the Making

“This has been a personal and professional mission for me since 2013,” says Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group. “Securing the future of Shepton Mallet Prison has taken over a decade of resilience, negotiations, and perseverance. Today, I am incredibly proud to finally say that it’s ours, and the next chapter starts now.”

“Shepton Mallet Prison is an irreplaceable piece of British history, and now, under Cove Group, we can finally give it the investment and care it deserves. Our team has done an incredible job keeping it running under difficult circumstances, and now we begin the work to develop it into an even greater attraction for visitors, historians, and future generations.”

Overcoming Challenges to Secure the Future

While the purchase was originally scheduled to be completed two weeks ago, external delays caused setbacks, adding an additional £20,000 in unexpected costs. Despite this, Cove Group remained unwavering in its commitment to securing the site, ensuring that the acquisition was seen through successfully.

“It wasn’t easy, but the things worth fighting for rarely are,” adds Campbell. “Now, the real work begins, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”

What’s Next for Shepton Mallet Prison?

With ownership now secured, Cove Group is preparing to reveal its long-term vision for Shepton Mallet Prison. Key priorities include:

✅ Investment in essential restoration work to preserve and protect the prison’s rich history.

✅ Enhanced visitor experiences, including new events, exhibitions, and interactive storytelling.

✅ Expanding educational opportunities, helping schools, historians, and researchers explore the prison’s 400+ year history.

This is just the beginning of an exciting new era for Shepton Mallet Prison. Under the leadership of Joel Campbell and the Cove Group team, the prison will finally receive the care, investment, and vision it has long deserved.

📢 Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this historic journey.

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