Shrewsbury nightclub owner out of race to take on former prison

Martin Monahan has scrapped plans to turn the Grade ll-listed ex-jail behind Shrewsbury's railway station into a pod hotel after it was confirmed he is not the front runner following talks with the Ministry of Justice.

Only a handful of bids have actually been put forward and the new owner should be revealed before the week is up.

Mr Monahan, who owns The Buttermarket and The Peach Tree on Abbey Foregate, said he wished the mystery buyer every success. He had planned to convert the prison into a conference centre and 14-room hotel.

Property firm GVA which has been handling the sale said there was a definite front runner. It comes after bidders were asked to provide more details of their plans for the building to the Ministry of Justice before a decision is made.

Mr Monahan had high hopes of turning the prison into a hotel with pod-style rooms, and also planned to work with The Prince's Trust to set up business initiatives.

He said: "I wouldn't say I am disappointed as I'm not a negative person.

"I'm quite philosophical about it and I think I'm actually a little relieved because my life is very full already.

"There is no getting away from the fact that there is a mammoth task ahead and the buyer will undoubtedly have to spend millions of pounds."

The proposals which Mr Monahan put forward five minutes before the deadline was up included a "hub vision" and employment opportunities.

The main prisoner block which consists of 140 cells was going to be turned into luxury pod style rooms that are becoming increasingly popular in London.

There were also plans for a restaurant and bar, and a alfresco dining area within the prison walls, as well as a spa, conference rooms, and a community area.

Mr Monahan was unwilling to reveal the bid he had put on the table, but admitted he would have appealed to business owners within the community for further funding.

He said: "I had so much support from residents but I wish the buyer every success, I really do.

"The fundamental factor is that the prison is a building of great historical interest and importance and I'm sure whatever the winning bidder plans to do with it will be equally as exciting."

The sale of the prison was announced earlier this year after it closed down last spring following an attempt from the MoJ to shut ageing prisons.

The deadline for proposals was extended last month, following a further initiative which will see derelict prisons be sold off around the country.

Andrew Moss, the consultant handling the sale who initially took dozens of perspective buyers round the former prison, expects a decision on the sale to be made by the end of this week.

He said: "I was asked to go back to buyers and do due diligence, meaning perspective buyers need to explain how their plans would work in detail.

"The MoJ is very mindful of the fact that this is a listed building and we need to be absolutely sure that we find the right buyer.

"It could be someone who has worked with the MOJ before or has a good track record of working on projects such as this.

"There is front runner at the moment but no decision has been made.

"I have obviously sat down with clients and explained the situation so everyone has a good idea of where they stand.

"There will still be a lot of things we need to sort out but I am confident that a buyer will be decided on in the coming days."