Shepton Mallet prison to close as tourist attraction

The world’s oldest purpose-built prison is to close as a tourist attraction in the new year after a disagreement between the operators and owners.

Shepton Mallet Prison, was built 400-years-ago and has held ghost tours and been an event space since 2017.

Joel Campbell, CEO of the operators, Cove Group, said: “It’s really devastating news for us.”

Owners City & Country said they could not allow the listed buildings to be “put in jeopardy.”

Mr Campbell said:” The decision’s been forced upon us by a breakdown with our owners”.

“Over the past seven years we have invested over £1m into Shepton Mallet Prison, and despite a relentless campaign of perseverance, our endeavours to safeguard and enhance this historical site have been met with a disheartening lack of support from City & Country.”

“We offered to buy it off them (owners City & Country) for close to £1m and their counter-offer was miles away.

“Shepton Mallet is a small market town and we are major part of the tourism in the town.

“Unfortunately the element of greed and trying to get as much as you can for the business, has overshadowed the preservation of this historic site.”

The prison will cease operating from the 2nd January 2024 and will result in the loss of 18 jobs.

Shepton Mallet Prison, often referred to as Cornhill or The Mallet, housed its first inmates in 1625 and was still used as a civilian prison until as recently as 2013.

It was turned into a tourist attraction in 2017 with operators Cove Group offering tours and events to the public for the first time.

In a statement, owners City & Country said: “The lease with SG Prisons is one where they pay no rent but pay the insurance costs and ensure that the buildings do not deteriorate.

“Discussions have taken place with the Cove Group regarding a possibility of agreeing terms for a sale however we were unaware that these discussions had come to an end as we were expecting a proposal from them.

“Whilst we are happy to listen to proposals they wish to make we cannot allow the listed buildings to be put in jeopardy.

“City & Country have not taken action to terminate the lease for failing to implement the insurers requirements however we have made it known that this is a course we may be forced to take due to their failure to comply with their lease obligations.”

Local café owners in Shepton Mallet have described the closure as ‘devastating for the town’.

Leah and Shaunna own the Cheeky Bean café, which is around the corner from the prison, and told BBC Radio Somerset: “It’s pretty gutting for the town as it brings in a lot of tourists to Shepton.

“We get a lot off footfall from the prison and I’m worried that people aren’t going to come to the town anymore.”

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