PHASE one of the ambitious and exciting plans for a university campus in Newport city centre is likely to get the final stamp of approval next week.

An initial application from the University of Wales, Newport, for phase two and three of the multi-million pound scheme is also before the council's planning committee.

As we reported last week, a building contactor is already on board ready to begin clearing the site and striking new images were released.

Phase one, on land near Castle Bingo on the riverfront, will consist of lecture theatres, gallery space, studio and laboratory areas, library information services, study space, seminar rooms and restaurant.

There will also be an academic and research "hothouse" which will bring together the renowned arts and business schools.

It will replace the campus at Allt-yr-yn which is being redeveloped for housing and 130 staff will transfer to the city centre.

Another 40 will move from the Caerleon campus.

However, although the plan is likely to get the green light next Wednesday, construction work will not start until June.

This is to avoid interfering with the spawning and migration season of the rare shad - a river herring - and lamprey that live in the nearby Usk.

Hours of work will also be restricted to avoid disturbing the otters which also use migrate up and down the river as well as residential amenities.

Newport Civic Society "commends the scheme in all aspects" and was pleased at "the excellent standard of architecture".

Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust called for a watching brief as there was a possibilty of buried archaeological features being revealed during construction.

Phase two will involve an additional building for Newport School of Art, Media and Design.

The exact requirements of phase three have yet to be decided but could possibly be additonal teaching space or a students union.