A FORMER library in Newport has been revamped into a new community learning hub as part of a £6.7 million regeneration project.

The Pillgwenlly Community Learning Academy in Temple Street has been officially opened at the former Pill Library building in the city’s Temple Street.

A mezzanine floor now houses a catering training facility, while training firm Itec is providing courses from new training rooms.

Disability access was also updated as part of the project which aims to provide skills and training opportunities to the community.

The scheme was led by Newport council and was backed by a funding package from Welsh Government.

It is part of the EU-supported Pillgwenlly Regeneration Project, a £6.7 million scheme that has seen the revamp of properities in Commercial Road and the opening up of Mariners Green to link Pill with the city centre.

Welsh Government finance minister Jane Hutt said: “This is another example of the benefits of EU Funds and our membership with the EU.”

Cllr Deborah Davies, Newport council’s cabinet member for skills and work, said: “One of our priorities is to help our residents into rewarding and sustainable employment and we are doing everything we can to provide them with the skills and training they need to do that.”