A stadium is one step closer to major redevelopment after securing £250,000 in funding.
Rodney Parade in Newport, home to Dragons RFC, will benefit from Welsh Government support through the Transforming Towns programme to fund feasibility and design work for the next phase of redevelopment.
Plans include improved training facilities, expanded community sports provision, and enhanced disability sport infrastructure on a section of the site known as the "cabbage patch."
Rhys Blumberg, CEO of Dragons RFC, said: "We are thrilled to have secured this vital funding and out thanks go to Newport City Council and Dimitri for all the support with his landmark moment for the proposed redevelopment.
"All parties have a real appetite to create a sporting hub for Newport at Rodney Parade where we can have full-time professional sides alongside as much community sport as possible with an outstanding facility."
The feasibility programme will involve site investigations, technical surveys, architectural design work, and planning activity to inform future investment decisions.
Mr Blumberg said: "We’re delighted that we’ve now started the process as we look to develop our home and bring even more people into the city to enjoy and play sport."
Dragons will continue to work closely with Newport City Council throughout the development phase, ensuring the investment delivers maximum value and progress is monitored against agreed objectives.
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport City Council, said: "This proposed redevelopment would deliver long-term benefits for the city, residents, and sporting organisations.
"We have worked closely with the Dragons and other stakeholders because we recognise that the proposal builds upon Rodney Parade’s importance as one of Newport’s most significant sporting venues and will support the wider regeneration ambitions for the city centre.
"Rodney Parade attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year, and plays an important role in supporting professional sport, community participation, and the local economy.
"This investment will enable the detailed work needed to develop a compelling and deliverable vision for the site, creating opportunities to improve facilities for elite athletes, local communities, and disability sport alike."
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Councillor Batrouni emphasised the wider impact of the funding, adding: "This funding is about much more than improving sports facilities.
"It is about supporting regeneration, encouraging participation, creating opportunities for residents, and helping to secure a strong future for one of Newport's most recognisable sporting venues."
The project also has the backing of the Welsh Government.
Siân Gwenllian, cabinet minister for local government, housing, and planning, said: "This project shows how Transforming Towns funding can support meaningful regeneration in our town and city centres."
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