Twelve Architects (TA) transformed the 18th Century derelict prison into a luxury boutique hotel which opened to the public in May 2021; this is the second phase of a £50m masterplan project following investment by Mallino Development Group, the first phase saw the reopening of the modernised Bodmin Jail attraction in October 2020.
Located in the former Civil and Naval Wings of the jail, each luxury room has been transformed from three prison cells, retaining many of the original features including the existing barred windows, weathered stone walls and ceilings.
Authentic original prison doors salvaged and refurbished from Wandsworth Jail have been fixed into the wall fabric, alongside new doors which provide a modern interpretation to meet hotel requirements.
Twelve Architects relied on historic photos of the jail to bring the central atrium back to its former glory. Before the project began in 2015, much of the jail had completely lost its roof structure, leaving most of the building open to the elements and covered in foliage. Finishes had been stripped over the years and some walls were damaged from demolition attempts. Using the principles of the original roof, the atria are now naturally lit through a contemporary full-length skylight.
TA’s design philosophy was to create a series of diverse spaces aimed at heightening the unique qualities of the building while creating an immersive visitor experience at every touchpoint. This multisensory experience begins as guests approach the building and witness the dramatic view of the jail tower together with the new skylights. Once inside the historic perimeter wall, the first experience of containment is felt, and guests are able to soak up the full drama of the impressive and commanding jail wings of the main building.
Visitors are greeted at the lobby which is purposefully narrow to increase the impact of the Civil Wing atrium where they can get their first glimpse of the naturally lit space with reinstated walkways and views of the iconic tower through the skylight.
The hotel rooms themselves have been designed to retain a suggestion of the original cell layout while providing luxurious and comfortable spaces that ensure the guest has made the leap conclusively from historic jail to a high spec luxury hotel.
A nod to the Duchy of Cornwall has also been incorporated in the interior design schemes, with the colour scheme reflective of the coat of arms. This sympathetic restoration blends heritage and luxury, celebrating the intrinsic role that the building has played in Cornwall’s past while treating guests to the latest comfort.
Bodmin Jail, on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, was originally built in 1779; the building was a milestone in prison design. It was one of the first modern prisons in the UK with individual cells, segregated male and female areas, hot water and light and airy areas for prisoners to live and work. Its dark history did not go unnoticed, having carried out dozens of executions.
The Bodmin Jail Hotel is also home to a restaurant, bistro, an alfresco dining area, cocktail and gin bar, and with a space for up to 300 people, it is the biggest wedding, conference, meetings, and events venue in Cornwall.
Through painstaking restoration and preservation, Mallino Development Group is returning a national heritage asset to its former glory and creating a cultural showpiece that will attract guests from across the world.
Rajesh Joshi, General Manager, The Bodmin Jail HotelTA was appointed by Mallino Development Group in 2015 to transform the Bodmin Jail attraction in Cornwall into an exciting new multi-use visitor destination, modernising the existing visitor experience, retail, food and drink and education facilities and adding a hotel. TA led the design team of the £50m project alongside teams at Sarner International, Arup, Total Project Integration, Montagu Evans, Plan for Ecology and Astute Fire.