Former prison and barracks set for redevelopment

Two historic sites in Shrewsbury are set to be transformed into housing, student accommodation and offices after proposals were given the green light.Shropshire Council approved the applications at a meeting on Thursday night for both Dana Prison and Copthorne Barracks.The grade II-listed prison, which has buildings dating back to the 18th Century, will be converted into student accommodation, flats and office space and also have room for a restaurant.The approved plan from applicant EGO Shrewsbury Ltd also features converting the gatehouse into three homes, the A wing to include a up to 109 student flats, the B and D wings into 16 apartments and the C wing into 16 student rooms.The prison kitchen will become a retail space or a restaurant while the education block and workshop will be knocked down in favour of a four-storey residential block with 30 flats.The site is the former HMP Shrewsbury which closed in 2012.The barracks, which were built between 1877 and 1881, will be transformed into 228 homes and 45 retirement apartments to be made available to veterans.The plans had been put forward by applicant DIO.