UNLIKE for many of its former inhabitants – the future looks bright for Shepton Mallet Prison.

The lock-up – now a major tourist attraction – has been bought by Cove Group after years of uncertainty and problems.

Cove Group said the purchase would ensure the site – believed to be the world’s oldest prison – will be ‘preserved, restored, and developed for generations to come’.

Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group, first envisioned the prison project in 2009 and has battled for years, as the site faced significant challenges, with no substantial investment in its upkeep.

Despite the limitations, the firm said the 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’.

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Now with full ownership, Cove Group said it has the freedom and vision to finally invest in the prison’s future.

“This has been a personal and professional mission for me since 2013,” said Joel. “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.”

While the purchase was originally set to be completed two weeks ago, external delays caused setbacks, adding an additional £20,000 in unexpected costs.

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

Now, the firm has revealed its long-term vision for Shepton Mallet Prison, including:

* 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