NEWPORT'S Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre is being named building of the year for the second year running.

The council-owned centre on the banks of the River Usk, in Newport, which was described as 'ugly' before building work had finished, was picked after seeing off competition from authorities across Wales.

A panel of judges from the Consortium of Local Authorities Wales - a group made up of councils which aims to promote good practice for new building works - picked the building for the award because of its innovative design.

Councillor Ron Jones, cabinet member for culture and recreation, said: "To win this award for the second year in row is a tremendous achievement and demonstrates this council's commitment to providing people with state-of-the-art leisure and culture facilities."

The Riverfront, which recently celebrated its first birthday, opened last October and houses two theatre spaces, a dance studio, recording studio, an exhibition gallery, three workshop spaces and a multi-purpose function room.

Theatre and arts director Nic Young said: "Externally it does provoke strong reactions, but at night, when it is changing colour, it is an amazing sight. The interior works amazingly well and it's good having a building people talk about."

In its first year 60,000 people attended a range of shows and activities at the centre.

The centre has been praised not just for attracting big-name performers, such as comedian Jack Dee and Welsh singing sensation Katherine Jenkins, but also for its role in providing a gateway into the arts for communities across the city.

The Riverfront is owned, managed and funded by Newport city council and was awarded a lottery grant by the Arts Council of Wales towards the construction of the building.