Shrewsbury Prison – Dark Tourism

OUR CLIENT

Shrewsbury Prison, the historic landmark with 200 years of history, is now an immersive dark tourism attraction, being reimagined into a world-renowned tourist attraction, blending rich heritage with modern luxury and sustainability.

In recent years, Shrewsbury Prison has also been the set for various shows such as Celebrity Hunted, the mini-series Without Sin, and The Apprentice.

Since the prison became mothballed from Government operation, the gas infrastructure had been de-commissioned due to existing issues with the underground pipework.

Now that the prison is having a new lease of life from Joel and the team from Cove Group they are steadily bringing the services back to life. Our brief was to expose the gas service, re-connect to the operational areas, repair existing issues and re-commission the main.

THE BRIEFING

The scope of work to be completed by Ford Mainwaring, in partnership with Firdale Construction, included the following:

IN THE END

The gas works that were carried out across various areas like boiler houses and workshops significantly reduces potential hazards and risks associated with gas services. This overall enhancement in safety ensures a secure working environment for all personnel. This work will now assist with the next phase to get heating back up and running across the attraction.

Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group, commented on the project:

“As CEO of Cove Group, the transformative journey we’ve undertaken with Shrewsbury Prison, reimagining it into a premier tourist attraction, has been nothing short of remarkable. Our collaboration with Ford Mainwaring played a pivotal role in this transformation, particularly in revitalising the essential services that lay dormant for years. Their expertise in mechanical services was crucial in addressing the decommissioned gas infrastructure, a significant hurdle in our path towards reviving the historical essence of the prison while ensuring modern safety and functionality.

Ford Mainwaring’s approach to the project was characterised by precision, professionalism, and a deep understanding of our vision for Shrewsbury Prison. The meticulous work that was carried out to expose, repair, and recommission the gas mains not only mitigated potential hazards but also laid a solid foundation for the next phases of development. Their ability to navigate the complexities of such a unique site and deliver on our brief within the tight timeframe of two weeks is a testament to their commitment to excellence. This partnership has been instrumental in ensuring that Shrewsbury Prison can safely welcome visitors and relive its storied past in a new light.”

If you require a skilled engineer for work at your facility, all Ford Mainwaring staff are fully DBS and CTC vetted, so you can know your facility is in safe hands. Contact us to book a free consultation for your mechanical and electrical installation and maintenance work.

If you require a skilled engineer for work at your facility, all Ford Mainwaring staff are fully DBS and CTC vetted, so you can know your facility is in safe hands. Contact us to book a free consultation for your mechanical and electrical installation and maintenance work.