A NEWPORT council team won more than £12 million in grants for city regeneration schemes in just two years, says a new report.

Councillors were today given an update of work being undertaken by the projects and design team.

Tasks include managing regeneration projects on behalf of Newport Unlimited and the council as well as promoting good urban design.

In 2006 and 2007, the team attracted more than £12 in aid and is preparing more grant submissions for this year.

The report detailed progress on a number of developments including the following.

  • Old Town Dock - being converted into a new southern gateway to the city with new homes, student housing and affordable properties. A hotel site has a preferred developer and work is likely to being later this year.
  • Crindau Marina - a mixed use development with Crindau Pill being used as a navigable waterway and a separate marina. A planning application is with the council.
  • Transporter Bridge - the number of cars using the landmark has dropped since the opening of the SDR and its future is now seen to lie in different spheres, particulary as a visitor attraction. A report addressing staffing and opening hours is being submitted.
  • Market Arcade - officers are seeking funding to improve its appearance and £20,000 is being spent on improvements to prevent "wear and tear".
  • Indoor Market - a project has involved the restoration of stalls back to their original design.
  • Market Square - a public consultation exercise will be carried out before a development brief is prepared which will included the proposed new public open space.
  • Pill - a strategic framework is being considered with several aims such as addressing deprivation issues, enhancing the environment and creating a safer place to live and work.