TWO projects have begun in Newport that it is hoped will secure and improve leisure and cultural services, and provide a boost for city centre businesses.

Newport LIVE, a not-for-profit charitable trust, has taken over the running of facilities previously run by the city council, such as Newport International Sports Village (NISV), Newport Centre, the city's Active Living Centre, and the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre.

It will also run the sports development and arts development services.

And Newport Now, the city's new Business Improvement District project, is beginning the process of collecting a one per cent levy on rates from city centre businesses, to fund a range of measures designed to boost use of the city centre.

Those using leisure and cultural services will not notice any immediate changes to the facilities that have come under the control of Newport LIVE - but the trust's aim is concentrated on improving and developing these services.

“The board wants to ensure that users and staff are at the heart of what we do," said Newport LIVE board chairman John Harrhy.

"While initially residents will not experience any differences whether they are playing tennis or watching a performance in the theatre, we very much want to improve and develop the city’s leisure and culture offering in the future, becoming the customers’ first choice for sport, leisure, physical activity and culture in the city, while also becoming the employer of choice.”

The city council has followed other local authorities down the trust route as a means of protecting vulnerable leisure services during difficult financial times.

Councillor Mark Whitcutt, the council’s cabinet member for leisure and culture, called Newport LIVE "a new and exciting journey for our services."

Mr Harrhy thanked the council "for their custodianship of these services which they have now handed over to the trust in the spirit of partnership."

“We have a very good relationship with the council that will undoubtedly continue as we take the services into this new era through an exciting collaboration," he said.

Newport Now, owned, funded and led by city centre businesses, is the third BID to be set up in Wales, after Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil.

It is anticipated that more than £1 million will be invested in the city over the next five years, with the levy money ringfenced for the area in which it is collected, and to be spent on projects for the benefit of businesses that pay it.

Enhancing Newport’s image, improving security to create a safer and more attractive city centre, increasing footfall, and creating a better offer of food and drink outlets, are among the key aims. Collective purchasing of utilities and services to try to bring bills down is also on the agenda.

Uniformed street marshals, better car parking offers, a programme of city centre-focused events, and a customer loyalty scheme are also under consideration.