The community-run building in High Street was bought by a charitable benefit society, Music Venue Properties, which is dedicated to protecting and improving the UK’s grassroots music venues.
Recently, it received the go-ahead to turn the first, second and third floors into an arts venue and studios as well as adding a roof terrace.
Matthew Otridge, of Music Venue Properties, said: “We are delighted to have received planning permission for the Le Pub upper floors project, which we have developed with support from Newport Council and Welsh Government through the Transforming Towns Fund.
“When we purchased the building, we not only secured a vital cultural asset, but laid the foundations to make even more of this wonderful building and give more back to the community of people who support it.
“Securing planning permission is an important first step. We will continue to work with our hugely supportive partners, including Newport Council, Graham & Sibbald and, of course, the wonderful management team at Le Pub, as we move on to the next stage of making this ambition a reality.”
Councillor James Clarke, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said: “We’re very proud of the city’s cultural offer, including its vibrant grassroots music scene.
“Le Pub has been a valuable asset to the city centre, attracting musicians and audiences, for a long time. It’s brilliant that Music Venue Properties has not only ensured it will continue to be a great music venue, but is also going to expand and enhance its offer for the benefit of the community.”
Welsh government cabinet minister for local government, housing and planning, Siân Gwenllian, said: “Le Pub is a much-loved part of Newport’s cultural life, and I’m pleased that Welsh Government support through the Transforming Towns programme has helped lay the groundwork for its exciting expansion plans.
“This is a great example of how targeted investment in our town and city centres can help protect valued community spaces while giving them room to grow. I look forward to seeing this project develop and Le Pub continuing to thrive at the heart of Newport for years to come.”
