Friday 14 June 2013

Newport, Gwent, South Wales

For those of you who enjoy visiting cities, why not try Newport, Gwent?  Comments made recently by Simon Gibson are quoted below.  Newport has an historic Transporter Bridge across the river Usk.  Vehicles and people are carried high above the high-tide water level to allow shipping to pass unhindered. 

Bellevue and Beechwood Parks are amazing city parks, and Newport Castle, although it can only be viewed from a distance, has a river gateway comparable to that in the Tower of London.  The river mud required manoeuvring by medieval boats at high tide to gain access.

Timbers from a medieval ship could prove a huge attraction for tourists, if the money can be found to complete its restoration.  Found in the river mud whilst digging the foundations of the Riverfront Theatre, a few years ago, this treasure could equal the Mary Rose.  Lets hope the remains are not just sold off for firewood!



Simon Gibson is the head of a Welsh Government business development project for Newport.

He explained recently, "...the location of Newport is unique, being the first stop into Wales from London."

"I don't know a city in Wales where you can get from the major motorway to the city centre within two minutes."

"Newport also enjoys one of the most beautiful hinterlands of any city in Britain, in Monmouthshire, and we don't play that up enough."

"We are the undisputed technology capital of Wales.  We don't play that up anywhere near enough.  The city has key strengths in its capabilities in technology, particularly in things like homeland and cyber-security."

Newport was once a great port moving coal and iron to Cardiff, Bristol and overseas, and importing goods in exchange.  Remains of the old quayside can be seen at low tide close to the Kingsway Centre.

http://www.newportgwent.co.uk/

http://www.newportpast.com/

 

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