Newport City Council’s plans to improve Tredegar Park have taken a major step forward after it proposed to buy the freehold of the park land from its owner.
Currently, the council leases the land for the purposes of providing playing fields and a recreation area for the city.
The lease comes with a number of restrictive conditions attached, and purchasing the freehold will give the council greater autonomy in developing the park in line with the wishes of Newport residents.
A report outlining the proposed purchase has been sent out to all councillors for comment, and if agreed will see the council progress with its improvement plans.
Last summer, the council carried out extensive consultation with residents regarding what improvements they would like us to make to the leisure offer in the park.
Response to the survey was good, with just under 850 responses received. They reflected a strong community interest in enhancing the park’s recreational offer.
Based on the outcome of the consultation, a number of recurring elements were identified and have been put forward as part of the proposed investment, including:
- An improved play area with additional features and inclusive play equipment
- Improved access and redesign of the car park and events space
- Improved sports facilities, and development of a multi-use games area
- A sensory garden
- A reconfiguration of the park to deliver better spaces for all park users
- Development of an inclusive water play area
- Development of new, fully inclusive café facilities
The council is now looking at how it can deliver these elements as part of the overall package of investment into the park, as well as the revenue costs associated with operating and maintaining these elements over the long term. Further updates on progress will be shared as and when they are available.
Capital funding for the project will come from Newport’s allocation of the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, under the ‘communities and place’ priority.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
