Plans to bring a Newport City Centre building back into use are to become a reality after Pobl Group were awarded almost half a million pound in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Central Chambers, on Stow Hill, will become a new multipurpose, wellbeing facility which will bring health on the high street opportunities to the City Centre.

Pobl Group were awarded a total of £499,490 for the next three years and will create a new hub that will transform the supported living services offered by the housing group.

Charlotte Coulson, Pobl Care & Support said: “This is an exciting scheme that will transform the independent living support we provide, with support workers accessible at a central, community location.

“We have worked with our colleagues in Pobl’s regeneration team and consulted with the people we support to re-imagine this space into a vibrant, flexible facility for people with additional needs and the wider local community to access. 

WATCH: Pobl Group share plans for Central Chambers. Video: Pobl Group

“We are extremely grateful for the National Lottery funding which has helped to make it possible. This will make a big difference to people’s lives.” 

The new hub will provide a vibrant, accessible, and flexible space for people with additional needs and the wide community.

The Central Chambers hub will include a working kitchen for skill building and skill sharing, a café style area and a space for exercise programmes, along with a community laundrette and space for pop-up businesses.

It is anticipated that individuals supported by Pobl will enjoy volunteering and employment opportunities within the scheme.

Samantha Howells, Area Regeneration Manager East, Pobl Group, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can bring back into public use this city centre building as a multi-functional facility for the whole community, supporting Newport Council’s city centre regeneration plan.

“As well as providing training and employment opportunities for the individuals we support.

"The facility will provide a warm open space for anyone who needs it to wash your clothes, freshen up, get a bite to eat, volunteer or simply ‘just be’ in a place where you are safe and welcomed.”