Famous Former Prison site is Released
Posted by UK Property Forums on 17th October 2025 -
Montagu Evans has brought to market an investment and development opportunity in St Albans – with a famous exterior.
The site at 1-3 Victoria Square, formerly St Albans Prison, occupies 2.84-acres opposite St Albans City railway station. Part of it was used as the exterior of HMP Slade in the filming of the 1970s sitcom Porridge.
The site comprises The Gatehouse, the 2,910 sq ft St Albans Register Office let to Hertfordshire County Council until 2034, alongside two offices: 2 and 3 Victoria Square, which total 42,759 sq ft.
An office park was developed on the site in the 1990s.
Earlier this year, Montagu Evans’ planning and development teams helped obtain permitted development rights for the conversion of 2 and 3 Victoria Square to 55 apartments.
PRP Architects has since prepared a feasibility study to consider optimisation, including potential extension and new-build opportunities within the site.
Harry Charman, senior associate for Montagu Evans, said: “This is an excellent new investment and development opportunity, close to St Albans’ main commuter station with permitted development rights for new apartments already secured. A buyer is sought on an unconditional basis.”
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