Heritage bid hope for historic bridge
AMBITIOUS plans to make Newport’s iconic Transporter Bridge “a worldclass heritage attraction” could be given the green light next week – but “significant concerns” over flooding issues still need to be addressed.
The proposals which include demolishing the existing visitor centre and replacing it with a modern, bigger one are set to be decided by Newport council’s planning committee on Wednesday.
Repairs and restoration work, which will extend the operational life of the bridge by 25 to 30 years, are also being proposed as part of a separate application to Welsh Government and Cadw.
The scheme is part of a £10m Heritage Fund project to secure the future of the iconic structure, one of five remaining operational transporter bridges worldwide.
But Natural Resources Wales has objected and says more information to show the risks and consequences of flooding needed.
“We have significant concerns with the proposal as submitted and do not recommend planning permission is granted until these concerns are addressed,” it says.
The NRW says an submitted by the council currently fails to demonstrate that the consequences of flooding can be acceptably managed.
Concerns over the impact of the development on features of the River Usk Special Area of Conservation have also been raised.
A planning report says Newport council has provided further information, but that it is still under review by the NRW.
While the site is located in a flood zone, it would be considered “less vulnerable” due to the commercial nature of the scheme.
Councillors have been advised to approve the application in principle, subject to the NRW confirming flood consequences can be managed.
Planners say the new visitor centre could result in “economic prosperity can be managed is and regeneration of the site.”
The project aims to support the regeneration and ‘repositioning’ of Newport as a visitor destination.
Its ambitions include making the bridge “the best visitor attraction in Wales”, bringing national and international visitors to the city.
An application says the current visitor centre is too small, and that for the site to develop as an attraction, a larger facility is needed.
Currently around 16,000 to 20,000 people visit the attraction every year, but the project aims to boost numbers to 55,000 in the first year and 45,000 thereafter.
The new visitor centre will cater for a variety of functions with community rooms, event spaces and a new caf overlooking the bridge.
It will come with an exhibition space to provide a “proper interpretation” of the bridge and its history.
A walkway in the centre will also recreate the experience of walking across the bridge, including wind and sound effects, catering for those unable to climb the many steps.