Support pledged for plans to transform Shrewsbury's Dana prison
The redevelopment of the fomer Dana jail will make Shrewsbury more vibrant when work eventually gets under way, the clerk of the town council has said.
Helen Ball, clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, said the council will support anything that will add vitality to the town.
The Ministry of Justice, which has sold the building to The Osborne Group for a seven-figure sum, said it is to be transformed into a mix of residential, office and studio accommodation.
Trevor Osborne, chairman of the group, said it was too early to tell how the building will be transformed, and what the final uses would be but said he was keen on exploring the option of some form of university use.
Mrs Ball said: "We have had a number of key buildings change use over the last 18 months and it's important that building does not stay empty and unloved.
"It is really important that a use is found for the building which will bring some renewal to that area.
"There is potential here and I hope that the development is going to be well received. They say the prisoners in Shrewsbury had some of the best views in the country."
She added: "Anything that is going to add to the town's vitality should be welcomed. This a listed building which we can't afford to let fall into a state of disrepair.
"It is a key gateway as far as the town is concerned between the town centre and residential areas.
"Once it is transformed I'm sure it will make the town more vibrant."
Mr Osborne said he would be talking to Shropshire Council in the next week about options.
