Riverside destination venue plans move forward

Plans for a riverside destination venue in the won are moving forward with tenders for the project out to potential contractors.

Stuart Owen of Open Newtown, which is leading on the project, has told town councillors that the project has moved from design and planning to tenders being invited for the next phase of work.

The venue, which had attracted criticism from some local traders, will provide a range of facilities in an area around The Park and close to the River Severn, including educational facilities, a cafe, retail and exhibition area.

The project is part of the wider Open Newtown project which is opening up and managing green areas of the town after nearly 150 acres of land was transferred from Powys County Council.

Mr Owen told councillors the plan was to allow local businesses to also show their wares at the venue as part of its work to attract visitors into the town.

The riverside venue is aimed at providing a facility for local people as well as acting as a destination to attract visitors into the town, including the town centre for shopping.