Specialist work to clean, survey and digitally record the historic murals at Newport’s Old Green roundabout will take place later this month.
Experts will carry out extensive cleaning, surveying and digital recording of the murals, which depict historic scenes linked to the city. The work will help create an accurate 3D digital preservation package to support future conservation decisions.
The project will produce high resolution 3D scans of the artwork, allowing detailed renders to be created for archival use and for engineers, artists and conservation specialists studying the murals. The scans will also provide true to scale measurements of all mural surfaces.
Additional photography will capture full elevation images and close up shots of the murals, helping to document their current condition and identify any issues present on site.
Alongside the survey work, Newport City Council has also confirmed that the florist market mural at the western end of the roundabout will be protected.
A protective hoarding will be installed in front of the artwork to prevent further damage while decisions are made about its long term future. The hoarding will also share the story behind the mural’s creation and explain the steps being taken to safeguard it. A display window will allow members of the public to view a small section of the covered mural.
The work will be carried out by specialists from The Mosaic Restoration Company and Small Giants Media. Funding has been provided by the Welsh Government through its Local Transport Funding grant for 2025 to 2026.
Councillor Rhian Howells, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for assets and infrastructure, said:
“It is important that we carry out this protective work now.
“Taking these steps will allow us to make better-informed decisions about how we ensure the murals’ long-term future.
“This work does not mean that any decision has been made about proposals to redevelop the Old Green site.
“We are simply taking precautions that will protect the murals for future generations.”
