The future of Shepton Mallet Prison has been secured following its official purchase by Cove Group, marking the beginning of a new era for the historic site.

After more than a decade of negotiations and planning, the company has confirmed it now owns the former prison, allowing for long-term investment, restoration, and development. The acquisition brings an end to years of uncertainty and paves the way for Shepton Mallet Prison to become a world-class heritage attraction.

Cove Group CEO Joel Campbell, who has been working towards this goal since 2009, said the purchase is the culmination of years of resilience and determination.

"This has been a personal and professional mission for me since the prison closed in 2013. Securing the future of Shepton Mallet Prison has taken over a decade of resilience, negotiations, and perseverance—driven by an unwavering vision for what this site can become. Today, I am incredibly proud to finally say that it's ours, and the next chapter starts now," he said.

"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."

The historic site has operated under a restrictive lease for years, limiting the investment and maintenance that could be carried out. Despite these challenges, Cove Attractions has continued to operate the prison, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. With full ownership now secured, plans are in place for significant investment to restore and develop the site.

The purchase was originally set to be completed two weeks ago, but delays led to an additional £20,000 in costs. However, Campbell said the company remained committed to making the deal happen.

"It wasn't easy, but the things worth fighting for rarely are. Now, the work begins on an exciting new chapter for Shepton Mallet Prison, and I couldn't be more excited about what's ahead," he said.

Cove Group will soon reveal its long-term vision for the prison, with plans expected to include essential restoration work to protect the site's historical integrity, enhanced visitor experiences with new events and attractions, and expanded educational opportunities to bring its rich history to life.

The acquisition marks a major milestone in the preservation of Shepton Mallet's heritage, ensuring the prison remains a key part of the town's cultural and historical landscape for generations to come.