Plans will now go ahead later this year to redevelop the Grade II-listed jail into a hotel, with a visitor experience centre and with facilities for private hire. A hotel operator is yet to be named.
Bodmin Jail was built in 1779 and operated until 1927, hosting 50 public hangings in that time.
In more recent times the jail was used to store the Crown Jewels during World War I. It has also become a popular tourist attraction and has been used to film episodes of the BBC series ‘Poldark’.
Under the plans, the existing derelict cell block buildings will be restored and converted into hotel accommodation, with each room spanning three cells.
The former hospital wing will be demolished to make way for a new building housing a 'Dark Walk' experience. A new car park will also be created.
Bodmin Jail hotel is set to join a long list of hotels whose buildings started life either as a ‘house of correction’ or as court buildings. The 95-bedroom Malmaison Oxford, for example, is on the site of the former Oxford Jail.
Details: http://www.bodminjail.org/
