A NEW community hub has been officially opened in the grounds of Tredegar House in Newport.

Deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism Dafydd Elis-Thomas joined National Trust director general Hilary McGrady to open the hub, which occupies the former laundry building.

Tredegar House’s former laundry building has been used for many things in its 200 year history, even serving as a chapel at one point.

It also sustained considerable damage after a fire broke out in 2013.

The building has been sympathetically renovated, retaining many of its period features, to include a wheelchair accessible kitchen, training room and lounge.

The outdoor spaces have been transformed into an accessible allotment and garden. Featuring sensory areas and raised beds for ease of access, the space is to be managed by the community.

The project is aiming to support the delivery of training including RHS qualifications, independent living courses, healthy cooking sessions and music workshops.

Lord Elis-Thomas, deputy minister for culture, tourism and sport said: “I am so very pleased that we have been able to support such an excellent scheme, which delivers many benefits.

“Not only the refurbishment of a historic building, from dereliction into purposeful use, but also the creation of an attractive and accessible space where local people can come to learn new skills, become more involved with their community or simply relax.”

Community engagement officer, Philip Wilson, said: “We are excited to have finished the first phase of the project, with the Laundry building already being utilised by community members. The second phase will involve the growing of the allotment and gardens.

“These outdoor spaces will belong to the Duffryn community and will be managed by volunteers who are keen to develop their gardening skills and have a passion for being outdoors. All the food grown will be used in food preparation courses.”

While the infrastructure is already in place, the trust has launched a fundraising appeal to support the purchase of seeds and tools for volunteers to bring the gardens to life. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegarhouse