Newport Live, a not-for-profit charitable trust which provides sporting, leisure and cultural activities in Newport is pleased to announce, that an interim well-being and physical activity centre has been secured ahead of the confirmed closure of Newport Centre at the end of March 2023. This ensures that Newport Live can continue to inspire people to be happier and healthier in the city centre, whilst a brand-new leisure facility is developed by Newport City Council.
The interim well-being and physical activity centre will be located opposite Newport Railway Station next to Admiral House in Cambrian Centre, Cambrian Road, also known as Station Quarter. Formerly the location of the Gym Group. It is just a ten-minute walk from Newport Centre and has easy access to train, bus, cycle routes and has private car parking for members’ use.
The centre will open 1 April 2023 to welcome current and new members to this exciting venue. The centre will have a wide variety of new and familiar cardiovascular and functional training equipment. Along with a bespoke free weights area, a group exercise area for high and low-intensity classes and indoor cycling group. There’ll be something for everyone!
The Newport Live team will be available to welcome members into the dedicated social area and guide and support members on their fitness journey. Tailored personal support and 1 to 1 sessions will also continue for members.
Newport Live’s partnership with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and the National Exercise Referral programme will continue at the provisional centre and other Newport Live venues. This will ensure the ongoing provision of help and guidance for people with chronic conditions to improve their health and well-being.
Newport Live group exercise classes will be available at the interim centre, some will relocate to other Newport Live venues, which include Newport International Sports Village and the Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre. Newport Live will confirm relocation and timetable information as soon as they can and before Newport Centre closes.
Steve Ward, Chief Executive of Newport Live said, “We know that leaving Newport Centre will be very difficult for many customers and our colleagues because of the memories that it evokes. Newport Centre has had a varied and interesting history, from helping to positively contribute to the well-being of people of all ages to being a hugely popular music venue, hosting some of the world’s biggest artists including Elton John, David Bowie and Ed Sheeran. Newport Centre, its fitness provision, events and our colleagues certainly helped attract people from across the city, the UK and worldwide over these last 30 years.
Whilst we are excited to be part of the planning for a new modern venue on the riverfront, we’re pleased to have the opportunity to continue to deliver our hugely important physical and well-being activities and sports services in the city, once Newport Centre closes. The interim well-being and physical activity centre will see our gym provision increase threefold from the size of Newport Centre’s gym space with a wide range of new fitness equipment allowing us to provide more fitness opportunities for local people and to support the physical and mental well-being of our communities.
Some activities, including group exercise classes, will move to our amazing spaces at the Riverfront Theatre or to our other well-equipped venues. We will inform our customers of these changes as soon as we can. Ultimately, we look forward to welcoming our current and new members to this exciting centre in the city.”
Councillor Debbie Harvey, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for community wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that Newport Live has secured an alternative location in the heart of the city centre to provide additional facilities until the new and modern state-of-the-art leisure centre opens.
It means Newport Live will be able to offer current and new members a wide range of activities in their venues across the city while still providing vital support for people with chronic conditions.
The health and well-being of all our residents is extremely important and that is why the development of the new leisure centre remains a priority for the city council.
Work to ensure the new building is as green, carbon neutral and sustainable as possible is continuing behind the scenes. In the meantime, the closure and demolition of Newport Centre will go ahead to enable Coleg Gwent to progress its plans for a modern, 21st century campus on the site.”
The closure of Newport Centre forms part of Newport City Council’s plans to build a modern, purpose-built, carbon-neutral leisure, swimming and well-being centre to replace Newport Centre at a key location on the city’s riverfront. As well as transforming the site of the current Newport Centre into a world-class educational facility for Coleg Gwent.
For information on the opening of the interim centre including frequently asked questions visit FAQ's | Newport Live's Frequently Asked Questions or follow us on our socials @NewportLiveUK
New members interested in joining Newport Live and using the interim well-being and physical activity centre can view memberships and join online at, www.newportlive.co.uk/membership
