Shrewsbury's Dana Prison to be turned in to place of hope

Trevor Osborne will visit Shrewsbury in January to talk to town councillors and residents about his plans for the Victorian jail.

He will speak at a meeting of Shrewsbury Town Council at The Guildhall in Frankwell Quay on January 19 when public are invited to ask questions and have their say.

The Trevor Osborne Property Group is behind the transformation of Oxford's prison into the luxury Malmaison hotel.

Chairman Mr Osborne said: "I am pleased that the Department of Justice has allowed me to purchase the Dana with completion in the Spring of 2015.

"The building and its site is part of Shrewsbury's history and offers enormous potential for heritage regeneration.

"It will be my aim to retain the historic fabric and the essence of its architecture whilst changing one's perception from dread and despondency to hope and happiness.

"The way in which the building will be used will not only be subject to Shrewsbury Town Council, Shropshire Council and English Heritage but it will also be subject to the views of the residents of Shrewsbury.

"I look forward to meeting more of the townsfolk and grasping an opportunity to benefit from the way in which the town responds to the prospect of change."

Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Councillor for Castlefields and Ditherington, said: "I was delighted to meet Trevor Osborne recently and hear about the successful developments he has initiated throughout the Country.

"Equally he was enthusiastic to come to a meeting since he is clearly committed to engaging with the community in taking his plans forward.

"I believe that he genuinely wants to hear from residents, councils and businesses and I would urge people to come along and put their views and ideas forward.

"There's no doubt that the renovation will bring exciting employment, economic and environmental improvement opportunities to the area and to Shrewsbury as a whole."

Andrew Bannerman, Shropshire and Shrewsbury Town councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, which includes the town centre, said: "I welcome the impending sale of the Dana site to Trevor Osborne, who seems to understand the importance of conserving the historic fabric of this important building and who has pledged full consultation with councils and residents."

Shrewsbury Town Council's full council meeting will begin at 6pm and at 7pm Mr Osborne will outline possible plans for the site and discuss all aspects with residents.