A DILAPIDATED Victorian terrace in Newport, formerly earmarked to become a medical training centre, will be converted into 15 flats following approval by the city council.

The building, 62-66 Cardiff Road, is on the edge of the Clytha Conservation Area and Clytha Square, and has remained empty for many years since its previous use as offices by the NHS.

Several years ago, the former Gwent Healthcare Trust wanted to incorporate the building into a centre for helping to train Wales’ doctors of the future. But the proposal failed to secure planning permission and was then dropped as medical training requirements in the area had changed.

The building was sold by Aneurin Bevan Health Board to Cardiff-based Willis Construction Limited late in 2011 and the company’s plans for the building have been approved this week.