Ramada Encore for Newport

Urban Regeneration Company Newport Unlimited plans to build a new hotel in central Newport, as part of its Old Town Dock regeneration scheme.

Developer Alfred McAlpine and partner New World Leisure have been appointed to build and operate the £10m Ramada Encore.

The 124-bed, budget sector hotel – built on a 1.5-acre (0.6-hectare) site – will feature a bar and restaurant as well as 2,000sq ft (185sq m) of meeting and conference facilities.

John Burrows, chief executive of Newport Unlimited, said: “We’re very impressed by the plans put forward by McAlpine. Selecting such a well-established and trusted hotel brand will also bring more visitors, as affordable hotel options in the city centre are limited.

“The Old Town Dock area will also offer 1,500 new flats and apartments, student accommodation, a business district and new leisure space.”

Local architects Boyes Rees will draw up detailed designs for the hotel scheme, which will be submitted to Newport City Council for planning permission.

Newport Unlimited is a partnership between Newport City Council and the Welsh Assembly Government.