Local housebuilder helping to spearhead Newport’s regeneration

Tue, Nov 7th 2006, 11:00

Rejuvenation of Newport as a place to live, work and play is now well underway with Newport’s Urban Regeneration Company – Newport Unlimited – having opened its first completed project.

The new £5 million foot and cycle bridge opened in September and marks the beginning of the regeneration of the city to enable it to develop into a thriving 21st century centre for business, leisure and living.

Millions of pounds are set to be pumped into the city over the next few years as Newport enjoys the same sort of investment that has changed the fortunes of Cardiff and Swansea. The city is also looking ahead to hosting golf’s prestigious Ryder Cup in 2010.

And award winning developer Redrow is delighted to be playing a role in that transformation with its own waterfront regeneration scheme that will have a finished value in excess of £50 million.

Newport Unlimited is focusing its attention on three areas: Central area – situated in the heart of the city, by enhancing new leisure and lifestyle opportunities; Western Area - by improving the area around junction 28 of the M4 and building upon the success of business parks; and the Eastern area - situated near junction 24 of the M4, by providing a new district with more housing and local facilities.

And it is in the Eastern area that Redrow Homes (South Wales) is spearheading the way for the regeneration with the launch of its Alexandra Gate development.

Situated on the site of the former Black Clawson engineering works, off Usk Way, the flagship development will eventually consist of 399 contemporary homes, some of which will boast enviable views of the River Usk.

Andy Jarratt, sales director for Redrow Homes (South Wales), says: "We are very excited about this development. It marks the beginning of what is a very exciting time for Newport and we are extremely proud to be one of the first to lead the way for wide scale residential development as part of the overall regeneration package."

Newport is the first major city inside the South Wales border and dates back over 2000 years.

Andy adds: "It is so important to remember the area’s history. Although the site of our new housing development previously belonged to Black Clawson – it originally formed part of Newport Docks and was part of the city’s industrial and sea-faring heritage. The area was originally known as Alexandra Dock and with Newport known as the gateway to South Wales; it was easy to come up with an appropriate name for our development.

"We are working hard towards starting building at Alexandra Gate and house hunters will really be spoiled for choice. We look forward to creating a stylish venture providing quality homes not only for people in the locality but also for those wishing to move to the area."

John Burrows, chief executive of Newport Unlimited, said: "The launch of Redrow’s £50m residential development is the first part of the wider regeneration plans for Old Town Dock.

"As well as Redrow’s new neighbourhood, this area of the city centre will also contain an office district, an 80-room hotel, as well as shops, bars and restaurants all set along the banks of the River Usk.

"Providing a new gateway into the city centre, the £200m regeneration of Old Town Dock is a significant milestone in helping to transform Newport into a buzzing city to live, work and play."

The development will eventually feature 399 new homes, including 54 properties from Redrow’s award winning Debut range which offers affordable housing for first time buyers. These one and two-bedroom properties will be available for an initial outlay of between £49,950 and £99,950 if customers take advantage of Redrow’s option of a 10% interest free deferred payment for up to 10 years.

The Debut homes will be released for sale in early next year, and should be ready to move into before the end of 2007.

"It is so important for the future of Newport that young people, who live and work in the city, are able to get their first steps on the property ladder. With all the redevelopment taking place, Redrow wants to make sure that everybody has the chance to benefit at Alexandra Gate," adds Andy.

Redrow’s flagship development will also feature 215 one and two-bedroom apartments and 98 three and four-bedroom town houses, with contemporary designs to suit the city’s evolutionary spirit.

"The range of homes that are on offer will appeal to all, whether it is a family, young professional, retired couple or first-time buyers. Redrow has had massive success in South Wales with each of our developments growing into an enviable community.

"And now we are very excited to lead the way for developers who are involved in the regeneration of Newport and we know that Alexandra Gate will be a fantastic place to live once completed," continues Andy.

Once completed Alexandra Gate will enjoy an excellent river side location beside the Usk. The development will also have the M4 motorway nearby providing easy access to other major towns and cities, including Cardiff and Bristol.

Redrow will be launching the first phase of non-Debut apartments and houses at Alexandra Gate from the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, on Thursday, November 16th. For further details and to secure an invitation to the launch event call 02920 731521.

Those interested in the award-winning Debut range can register their interest by calling 01633 414595.