Interstate Europe Hotels & Resorts has been appointed to manage a luxury hotel within the infamous Bodmin Jail following a multimillion-pound transformation. Known for its rumoured ghostly residents, the jail was built in 1779 and was the site of over 50 public hangings before it closed in 1927. London-based Twelve Architects has now been appointed by owners Mallino Development Group to create a mixed-use scheme comprising a 63-key hotel alongside a teaching facility and venue space. The studio will seek to preserve the prison’s historical features whilst creating a destination enjoyed by guests and visitors alike.

Nicholas Northam, Managing Director UK, Interstate Europe Hotels & Resorts, comments: “The Bodmin Jail development is a really unique project and one that we’re thrilled to be involved with. Our team is working closely with the owners and the architects to ensure we create a hotel that reflects and respects the building’s extensive history and provides guests with a memorable experience.”

A number of surveys, investigations and mitigations have been carried out at the site to ensure the building is developed without harm to important ecology on site. As such, the hotel’s guestrooms will be created by cutting through cell walls measuring more than half-a-metre thick, and converting the 8m2 spaces into comfortable double ‘cells’ with large bathrooms opening off each. The hotel portion of the development will open in 2019.

Hannah Barker, Senior Architect at Twelve Architects, adds: “Our team has created a design that forges a symbiotic relationship between the building’s different functions while making the most of the building’s magical interior and exposed walls. Other than avoiding the ghosts which have been subject to many sightings through the years, we’ve worked hard to tackle the challenges in preserving the historic fabric while creating a comfortable internal environment.”

www.bodminjail.org