BOSSES at the University of South Wales have launched a public consultation over plans for the future of its campus in Caerleon.

Residents can have their say on proposals for the College Crescent complex - which will be vacated by the University this summer - during a three-day public exhibition and via a dedicated consultation website.

All development options will focus on new housing, but could still include retaining the original college building and sports facilities.

The University reviewed its campus estate in 2014, leading to its governors unanimously agreeing to invest in Newport city centre through the £60m Newport Knowledge Quarter rather than the Caerleon site.

Businesses and community groups are also invited to the exhibition, where they will be able to speak directly with the University's planning experts and partners ahead of a formal planning application.

A spokesman for the University said: "The decision to close the campus at Caerleon is one of the head not the heart - we know that many people have very fond memories of working and studying in Caerleon.

"There are sound educational reasons for our decision, but we want to make this move with respect for the local community. This consultation gives people the opportunity to have their say about potential future uses of the site once it has been vacated by the University.

"Funds from the sale of the site will be reinvested to enable us to take forward projects such as the £60m Knowledge Quarter that we are progressing in partnership with Coleg Gwent in the heart of Newport.

"However, the University also wants to leave a positive legacy for the people of Caerleon and the public consultation is an important part of that process."

Newport HSOB Rugby Club will host the exhibition on March 17, 18 and 19, and the consultation website will go live on the opening day and allow residents to submit their feedback for a further month after the exhibition closes.

Meanwhile, the University also submitted an initial Environmental Impact Screening application to Newport City Council this week for the scheme, which aims to explore potential environmental effects of the development.