A leading landmark in South Wales is set to become a major tourist attraction after securing substantial funding.
Operating from 1906, Newport Transporter Bridge is one of only eight transporter bridges left in the world and after receiving £8.75 million from National Lottery Heritage Fund, will now be reimagined to welcome tourists.
The grant will allow Newport City Council repair and conserve the structure, along with funding a new state-of-the-art visitor centre onsite.
Once complete, the historical attraction will allow guests to trace the footsteps of the workmen who built the bridge more than 100 years ago. Visitors will navigate to the top of the walkway and will enjoy spectacular views over South Wales from 55 metre above water.
CGI images reveals the view of the top of Newport Transporter Bridge
The innovative visitor centre is set to provide a cutting-edge edutainment environment. Through story-telling interactives, visitors will learn about the rich history of Newport’s rich industrial past, along with River Usk’s heritage. It will also include a café, retail space, exhibition gallery and community zone, providing a cultural hub for residents and tourists to South East Wales.
The restoration work and new visitor centre is projected to boost the annual visitors to the site to 47,000 visitors annually within the first three years in operation.
Artistic impression of the exterior of the new visitor centre
With funding now secured, the project is expected to take three and a half years to complete before welcoming its first visitors.
Commenting, Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales said:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, Newport Transporter Bridge – one of the most important historic landmarks in Wales – has been safeguarded for future generations.
“This investment, the third largest we have ever made in Wales, will help sustain jobs, support economic growth, drive tourism and create a sense of pride in Newport’s unique heritage.
Adding: “We are proud of the investment we have made in Wales – more than £410 million over the past 26 years. After a year of providing emergency support to Welsh heritage organisations hit by COVID-19, we will shortly be reopening applications for National Lottery project grants and look forward to funding many more important heritage attractions across Wales.”
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