University hopes for Shrewsbury's former Dana prison
Shrewsbury's former Dana prison could be used by the town's new university, it was revealed today.
The former jail has been sold to a property developer and has been earmarked for a mix of residential, office and studio accommodation.
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed The Osborne Group has exchanged contracts on the Grade II listed building.
The firm says there is a possibility the building may form part of the new Shrewsbury university, which is due to take on its first intake of undergraduates in September next year.
The head of the company Trevor Osborne said he would be talking to Shropshire Council in the next fortnight about possible development with the new University Centre Shrewsbury.
The Osborne group has undertaken a large number of development projects in the past including the transformation of Oxford Prison into a Malmaison hotel.
Councillor Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, said: "We are delighted that such a prestigious company has bought the Dana and will work closely with Trevor to maximise the economic growth potential of the site.
"We appreciate how important the site is to Shrewsbury and to delivering the Shrewsbury Vision and look forward to working with Trevor who is a renowned expert in the field of buildings of architectural and historic interest."
Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, said he is confident that the right developer has been chosen for the scheme.
Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council and local member for Castlefields and Ditherington, has long pushed for the community to have involvement in the project.
He said: "The news has been a long time coming but the proposals seem to be well worth the wait. I have already been in touch with the Osborne Group to invite them over to discuss their proposals. I hope that this can involve local residents as I know that they are committed to community engagement."
