Derelict pubs make way for new homes
Posted on Friday 3rd July 2015
The demolition of the Kings Arms and Top of the Range public houses on Commercial Road, Pill, has begun.
Built in 1830 and later rebuilt in 1890, the historic and highly prominent Kings Arms had become an eyesore; having laid empty for over 15 years, been the subject of arson in 2012 and the source of significant anti-social behaviour.
The work marks the latest in a raft of major developments breathing new life into the city centre of Newport, being delivered by Newport City Council and Seren, as part of the Welsh Government's Vibrant and Viable Places programme (VVP).
Neil Barber, Seren director of development said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Newport City Council and Welsh Government to transform another key location back to beneficial use. This development is particularly welcome as it will significantly regenerate an area which had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and a problem for the local community.
"At Seren we are not only interested in building quality new homes but also in revitalising communities. The Kings Arms has been an important part of the history of Pillgwenlly but had decayed to the point where we had no choice other than to demolish it. Working closely with the council we have developed a high quality design which will create a place where people are proud to live and also contribute to the on-going regeneration of the area."
"The adjacent pubs will be replaced by a modern building, sympathetic to the site's heritage, that will house nine one and two bedroom apartments complete with undercroft parking. The provision of a large four bedroom house was a priority for the council, helping to meet the needs of local people."
Councillor John Richards, Newport City Council's cabinet member for regeneration, Investment and housing, said: "I welcome the Seren Group's scheme which not only rids Pill of a derelict building which was causing a real nuisance in the community, but will create quality new homes that meet a need in that area. It is sad that the King's Arms was left to decay but I'm sure residents will be glad to see it being replaced with homes fit for the 21st century.
"By working with partners such as Seren, the council's delivery of the Vibrant and Viable Places programme - funded by Welsh Government with additional investment from the private and third sector - is helping to transform key buildings in and around the city centre to provide new homes, businesses and jobs to benefit all those who live, work and visit Newport."
Work commenced early June by local contractor Willis Construction, and the new homes should be ready for residents to move in during summer 2016.
Newport City Council was awarded £15 million of VVP regeneration funding which forms part of the overall £250m investment now taking place in the city centre.