Derelict dock land transformation begins
Work started yesterday on a major land redevelopment for Newport, which its backers claim could create 4,000 jobs.
The first stage of work at the city's historic Old Town Docks was officially begun by Economic Development and Trans- port Minister Andrew Davies.
The body behind the redevelopment work, urban regeneration company, Newport Unlimited, said projects with a value of £500m, creating 4,000 jobs, are expected to come online over the next five years.
The £1.5m initial remediation phase, funded by the Welsh Development Agency, will convert 18.7 hectares of land that have stood derelict for years.
Once clearance work is completed in the spring it will pave the way for 1,500 new homes and apartments, a business district, 80-room hotel, local shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.
A new water basin at the dock will form the central point around which new commercial and leisure facilities will be built. There will also be a riverside city park with playing fields, cycle paths and skateboard areas.
"This work signals the start of a landmark development for this important location," said Newport Unlimited chief executive Graham Moore.
"The redevelopment will provide a new mixed use neighbourhood that will bring social, economic and environmental benefits to the communities of Pillgwenlly and Newport as a whole.
"Old Town Dock and Pill provide an excellent opportunity for brownfield land development close to the city centre."
Mr Davies said, "This significant investment is good news for the city of Newport and will continue to deliver major economic benefits to Wales' newest city and enhance its growing reputation as a desirable place to live, work and do business."
Newport City Council leader, Councillor Bob Bright, added, "This excellent land redevelopment will appeal to residents, visitors and businesses alike and will be a further boost to this area of Newport."
Future land development of Old Town Dock land -
NEWPORT Unlimited's master plan envisages future development of the Old Town Dock area providing:
A new water basin reflecting the line of the Old Town Dock and providing a focus for land development.
Renovation of The Maltings, Dock Feeder and the Baltic Oil Buildings which, along with the Transporter Bridge, will form part of a new riverfront tourist destination.
A new riverside park.
Regeneration of Pill by the promotion of good pedestrian connections, and social inclusion through facilities that benefit local residents.
A pedestrian environment where the impact of the car is minimised.
An upgraded Usk Way transformed into a boulevard.
Source: IC Wales, 12.1.2005
