The aim was to provide quality local homes that would act as a catalyst for wider regeneration and set a standard for the quality of future designs in the area.
The site was heavily constrained as the wide city centre street frontage needed to be maintained, and there was a change in level of around four metres between the front and rear of the site. A nine-storey carpark at the rear needed to be considered, along with the existing walkway between the high street and the car park.
We worked closely with Pobl, Newport City Council and the Welsh Assembly Government to secure the necessary Vibrant and Viable Places (VVP) funding, which was fundamental in bringing the project onto site. The application for VVP funding meant that the scheme had to be technically appraised at the pre-planning stage, so we involved the full design team to assess issues such as whole life costings and buildability. This meant that we knew the scheme was deliverable from the planning stage, and we could identify overall project costs.
We undertook several community and key stakeholder engagement events throughout the process, as well as presenting the scheme to the Design Commission for Wales where it received high praise.
“Roberts Limbrick worked closely with Pobl from concept stage on Central View. Their input was invaluable, refining the design brief to deliver a landmark contemporary building that is stimulating regeneration and renewal at the north end of Commercial Street, Newport. We are thrilled with Central View. Roberts Limbrick’s attention to detail has delivered a high rise, high quality over-55s residential scheme on a tight, constrained site. The building addresses the needs of our residents as well as providing a contemporary building that cleverly uses a variety of materials which defines and enhances the many facades of the building.”
The final design includes three buildings containing 38 modern apartments. Multiple communal areas have been included for residents to enjoy, including an enclosed landscaped courtyard, a rooftop garden, and a café area. On ground level, there is a retail unit and the existing car park walkway has been refurbished which has helped to uplift the street scene.
High quality materials and finishes were used in the build, but these were carefully balanced against value, durability, and future maintenance costs. The buildings appear open and spacious when viewed from the street due to the curves of the front two blocks and the set-back screened balconies.
Central View has helped to stimulate regeneration in the area. It has been recognised as a regional finalist in the Civic Trust Awards 2021 and a finalist in the Royal Town Planning Institute Planning Excellence Awards.