The iconic Lysaghts Institute faces an uncertain future according to local councillors in Lliswerry. They state that Codi Group (Pobl) have confirmed that they will cease to operate the building as a community facility from 31 December 2026.
They stated in a social media post “A few weeks ago, we were informed in confidence by Codi Group (formerly Pobl) that they have taken the difficult decision to stop running Lysaght Institute from 31 December 2026. We were asked to keep this information confidential while formal processes took place, including notifying staff and customers with existing bookings.”
They also state “We have had commitments from Codi Group that they will work with us on the future of the building, and that they are seeking a sale or lease that keeps it in community use. Existing bookings through to 31 December 2026 will be honoured, and the crèche at the rear of the building will remain open throughout.”
Thr WR Lysaght Institute was opened in 1928 on Corporation Road to provide for the recreational needs of the workers. The Institute building was designed in Art Deco style, with the facility also including eight acres for recreation including football and cricket pitches. The facility was designed to cater for the three thousand plus workers at the Orb Works many of whom had transferred to Newport from Wolverhampton. See more about the Wolverhampton connection here
The building had fallen into a state of dereliction by 2001 but was restored by Linc Cymru at a cost of £3 million as part of a wider £50 million development in the area. It was reopened in 2012 initially as a community space and has transformed into more of an events facility.
Comment – Predictably there are calls for Newport City Council to find the money to buy this building. This would need to be a commercial transaction at a considerable cost and the Council would need to find the money for ongoing costs. It is possible but unlikely.
The better option would be to find a buyer or partner to ensure the building has a long term future.