NEWPORT and Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) has pledged its commitment to Newport town centre with the purchase of the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill site.

In November 2020, the community council began exploring the properties available, allowing it to take up a presence in the town centre.

The intention was for NCCC to be more accessible to residents, assist in High Street recovery, provide space for a Newport Heritage Centre, appropriate office space for its staff and a secure, central, accessible space to hold council meetings.

Initially, the intention was to rent a property, however, when viewing the property, an opportunity presented itself to invest and fulfil several objectives from the council’s adopted strategic plan.

These include the intent to acquire a property, establish a parish base and perhaps offer commercial letting space.

NCCC is the lead partner for the Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone programme for Newport, which started in May 2020.

The council has applied to the programme for grant funding to improve the shopfront and to assist with a feasibility study into repurposing the first floor and reinstating appropriate access from the street.

Newport Central Cllr Jones-Evans, vice chairman of the council, said: "This purchase marks a new era for NCCC.

“After 13 years we now have our own base in the heart of the town and a sound investment on behalf of residents.

“In time we will be able to be more accessible and provide space for historical displays, meetings, and retail opportunities, amongst other uses.

“Working with the High Street Heritage Action Zone means we can create a high-quality space that respects the building and conservation area."