THE Newport Centre has finally closed its doors, marking the end of an era.
The centre, which opened in 1985, closed for the final time at 8pm on Sunday, March 27.
Newport council confirmed to the Argus that the centre will be demolished this spring and preparation work will take place before the full demolition can commence.
The Newport Centre on its final day
The demolition means the city will lose its main venue to host mid-sized gigs. Over the past 30 years the centre has hosted hundreds of big-name acts, with a visit by David Bowie a particular highlight.
Princess Diana also visited the centre in 1987.
Diana is she is shown to her seat by Lord Lieutenant Mr Richard Hanbury Tenison in Newport
We asked the public in an Argus Facebook post about what people’s favourite memories of the centre are.
In response hundreds of people took to reminisce, highlights included using the leisure facilities to seeing bands play, many users were also unhappy that Newport will no longer have a venue to host music events.
There is no provision in the planning documents for the new leisure centre, which is proposed for a site a few hundred metres away, to host gigs.
David Bowie arriving at the Newport Centre in 1989 with Tin Machine
Adrian Robert Payne said: “Seeing huge bands like Genesis, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode and Erasure and many many more there in the heydays.
“Can’t believe Newport is being left without a decent-sized live venue.
“Newport council should be ashamed of themselves, it’s a joke.
“Ps work experience in late 80s was absolutely amazing and staff were outstanding. Miss those days.”
A fan reading the Argus while waiting to go into the David Bowie concert at Newport Centre in July 1989
The centre was also a place where long lasting relationships were formed Ceri Cowie said she met her "hubby there 36 years ago in the mixed spa.”
Pam Chase said: “Aqua swimming to seeing amazing stars so many times, there are too many memories to mention.
“Loved that place and it was a stone throw from the bus station which was so convenient.
“Such a shame Newport council didn’t listen to us.”
Whilst Stuart Bull said “the pool was perfect for young kids, I am gutted” and he thought he had “found somewhere to take his children to.”
Newport Live has been asked if any jobs will be lost as a result of the building's closure, but had not responded as the Argus went to press.
An artist's impression of what the new leisure centre will look like
A spokesperson for Newport City Council said: “Construction will start on site when this detailed work has been completed. It is expected to start on site in early 2024 and will take about 18 months to complete.
“The council is pleased that Newport Live has been able to secure a temporary venue so it can still provide a leisure offer in the city centre.”
Newport Live has confirmed an interim site opposite Newport Railway Station next to Admiral House in Cambrian Centre, Cambrian Road - also known as Station Quarter.
The centre will open on April 1 - complete with "a wide variety of new and familiar cardiovascular and functional training equipment".
There will also be a free weights area, a group exercise area for high and low-intensity classes and indoor cycling group.
The station will open Monday to Friday 6am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am to 8pm.
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