Funding secured for regeneration of Newport building

Plans to bring a Newport city centre building back into use have moved forward after Pobl Group was awarded almost £5000,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.Central Chambers on Stow Hill will be the base for a new multipurpose, wellbeing facility.The scheme will see the creation of a new hub, that will transform the supported living services offered by Pobl.Plans have been drawn up in conjunction with community groups and individuals supported by Pobl, and the Central Chambers hub will incorporate a working kitchen for skill building and skill sharing, a café style area and a space for exercise programmes, along with a community launderette and space for pop-up businesses.It is anticipated that individuals supported by Pobl will enjoy volunteering and employment opportunities within the scheme.Samantha Howells, area regeneration manager east at Pobl Group, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can bring back into public use this city centre building as a multi-functional facility for the whole community, supporting Newport Council’s city centre regeneration plan.”As well as providing training and employment opportunities for the individuals we support the facility will provide a warm open space for anyone who needs it, to wash your clothes, freshen up, get a bite to eat, volunteer or simply ‘just be’ in a place where you are safe and welcomed.”Charlotte Coulson, Pobl Care & Support, added: “This is an exciting scheme that will transform the independent living support we provide, with support workers accessible at a central, community location.”We have worked with our colleagues in Pobl’s regeneration team and consulted with the people we support to re-imagine this space into a vibrant, flexible facility for people with additional needs and the wider local community to access.”