Loading
There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
Councillor Fouweather asked: At November's full council meeting, I asked for an update on whether any negotiations had taken place with regards to bringing the Westgate Hotel back into operational use. The Westgate is a cornerstone of Newport’s history as the site of the Newport Rising of 1839, the last large-scale armed rebellion against authority in Great Britain. During the conflict, local Chartists marching for democracy and voting rights clashed with government troops stationed inside the hotel, leaving bullet holes in the building's entrance pillars that remain visible today. This dramatic event turned the hotel into an enduring national symbol of the struggle for working-class democratic rights and a central landmark in Wales's rich heritage of political reform. The building is a fabric of Newport's great history and heritage. In November, you provided an update whereby you said discussions were taking place with the owner of the Westgate with a view to possibly bringing the site back into use. Six months have now passed. Can the council provide any further updates on the ongoing discussions with the owner of the Westgate? Also, have the council initiated any contact with potential suitors for the Westgate who could take on the lease there, such as Premier Inns, Ibis Budget, Easy Hotel, Holiday Inn Express or even Wetherspoons who do own a chain of hotels. Only as recently as 2024, Premier Inns were looking to expand in South East Wales. Councillor Clarke responded: I can confirm that discussions are ongoing with an interested third party. Whilst I am not able to share details of discussions to date due to commercial confidentiality, it is positive that considerations are ongoing.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
The council hasn't recorded attendance for this meeting.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.