Newport Gwent Dragons can confirm that planning permission has today been granted for the regeneration of Rodney Parade by Newport City Council.
Martyn Hazell, Chairman of Newport Gwent Dragons said “This is a marvellous day for rugby in this part of Wales and I believe this decision is key to the future success of the Dragons in being able to compete with the best rugby clubs in the UK and Europe.
Gethin Jenkins, Chief Executive of Newport Gwent Dragons said “Today’s decision is a significant step in achieving a dream which is not just to benefit the Dragons and Newport RFC, but the community as a whole.
“It is hoped that construction of the first phase of this regeneration could be starting by the end of the year.
“The Club is keen to proceed quickly with the implementation but recognises that the current economic conditions mean that getting the funding in place will be a longer process than might have been the case previously. The planning permission was granted subject to a legal agreement and the details of that will need to be negotiated with the Council. It was also subject to over 50 planning conditions, each of which will need to be discharged formally. Some of these must be discharged before construction starts.
“In addition, the design must be progressed to a more detailed stage before tenders can be invited from construction companies and of course the funding will need to be put in place which will inevitably take time.
“We have however cleared a major hurdle with today’s decision and now our focus will be on delivering the funding and detailed design required in order to take the Region and Club forward.”
Martyn Hazell, Chairman of Newport Gwent Dragons said “This is a marvellous day for rugby in this part of Wales and I believe this decision is key to the future success of the Dragons in being able to compete with the best rugby clubs in the UK and Europe.
Gethin Jenkins, Chief Executive of Newport Gwent Dragons said “Today’s decision is a significant step in achieving a dream which is not just to benefit the Dragons and Newport RFC, but the community as a whole.
“It is hoped that construction of the first phase of this regeneration could be starting by the end of the year.
“The Club is keen to proceed quickly with the implementation but recognises that the current economic conditions mean that getting the funding in place will be a longer process than might have been the case previously. The planning permission was granted subject to a legal agreement and the details of that will need to be negotiated with the Council. It was also subject to over 50 planning conditions, each of which will need to be discharged formally. Some of these must be discharged before construction starts.
“In addition, the design must be progressed to a more detailed stage before tenders can be invited from construction companies and of course the funding will need to be put in place which will inevitably take time.
“We have however cleared a major hurdle with today’s decision and now our focus will be on delivering the funding and detailed design required in order to take the Region and Club forward.”
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