Crowds expected at Newport homes launch

Tue, Jan 23rd 2007, 11:00

Hundreds of people have registered their interest in a new homes development that marks a further step in the rejuvenation of Newport as a place to live, work and play.

Busy scenes are expected at the Celtic Manor resort this Thursday (January 25th), when developer Redrow launches a range of brand new homes at its Alexandra Gate development.

The first person to reserve a home at the development will be given a tethered flight in the Redrow hot air balloon, weather permitting.

The multi-million pounds regeneration of the city is led by urban regeneration company, Newport Unlimited, which has already seen the first completed project to be built, a £5million foot and cycle bridge for the city.  Now, award winning Redrow is playing a role in the transformation with its own waterfront regeneration scheme, on the site of the former Black Clawson engineering works, that will have a finished value of more than £50million.

John Burrows, chief executive of Newport Unlimited, has welcomed Redrow’s involvement, saying: “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, a park and other facilities 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 in which to live, work and play.”

Alexandra Gate, off Usk Way, falls within the central area of Newport’s planned regeneration – one of three areas identified by Newport Unlimited.

The Central area, situated in the heart of the city, will be developed by enhancing new leisure and lifestyle opportunities.

The Western Area is also to be redeveloped by improving the area around junction 28 of the M4 and building upon the success of business parks while the Eastern area – situated near junction 24 of the M4 – will provide a new district with more housing and local facilities.

Redrow’s flagship development will eventually consist of 399 contemporary homes, some of which will boast enviable views of the River Usk. The first phase to be released will include one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses.

Debby Pavitt, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (South Wales), said: “Alexandra Gate 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.
“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 want to create a stylish venture providing quality homes not only for people in the locality but also for those wishing to move to the area.”

The 399 new homes to be built by Redrow will include 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 flagship development will also feature 54 properties from Redrow’s award winning Debut range for first time buyers.

Debby continued: “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 we know that Alexandra Gate will be a terrific place to live once completed.”

Alexandra Gate enjoys 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.

If you are interested in securing a home in the exciting regeneration scheme, come to the sales launch this Thursday (January 25th) from 1pm to 6pm at the Celtic Manor hotel near junction 24 on the M4.

For further details about availability at the development, call 0845 6760 318. An on-site marketing suite is due to open at the beginning of February.