Work is well underway to convert the empty upper storey Victorian City Centre building into a range of eleven modern apartments.

Located in the heart of Newport’s City Centre’s conservation area, the homes have been sensitively designed to retain both the character and significant historic fabric. Known locally as Griffin Island, the upper floors of the buildings have been neglected for decades and laid empty for over 20 years.

A total of 27 apartments will be built in two phases, with the first 11 apartments ready to move in from May 2016, the remaining homes have recently been submitted to the local authority for planning permission.

The mix of predominantly 2 bedroom apartments all come complete with white goods and flooring throughout and will be ready to move in during May 2016. The apartments will be available for intermediate rent through us, Serenliving and will be allocated via Home Options Newport.

The development marks the latest in a raft of major developments revitalising the City Centre, being delivered by Newport City Council and Pobl, as part of the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places programme.

Neil Barber, Pobl’s director of development said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Newport City Council, Welsh Government and Greenwich Communities to transform this beautiful and historic building into residential use.

“Having a mix of commercial investment and range of high quality residential opportunities available in the City Centre are key to a sustainable and thriving Newport City Centre”.

Among it’s key features is the exciting Friars Walk leisure and shopping complex unveiled by First Minister Carwyn Jones today, which is conveniently situated less than a 5 minute walk away, along with train and bus stations very close by.