Dragons RFC are delighted to announce that Newport City Council has secured £250,000 of Welsh Government Transforming Towns funding towards the next stage of ambitious plans to improve training, community and sporting facilities at Rodney Parade.
This will enable Dragons to undertake a comprehensive programme of feasibility and design work for a proposed redevelopment at the stadium.
Dragons plan to improve training facilities, expand community sports provision and offer enhanced facilities for disability sport on a site within Rodney Parade affectionately known to fans as the “cabbage patch”.
CEO Rhys Blumberg said: “We are thrilled to have secured this vital funding and out thanks go to Newport City Council and Dimitri for all the support with his landmark moment for the proposed redevelopment.
“All parties have a real appetite to create a sporting hub for Newport at Rodney Parade where we can have full-time professional sides alongside as much community sport as possible with an outstanding facility.
“We’re delighted that we’ve now started the process as we look to develop our home and bring even more people into the city to enjoy and play sport.”
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport City Council said: “This proposed redevelopment would deliver long-term benefits for the city, residents and sporting organisations.
“We have worked closely with the Dragons and other stakeholders because we recognise that the proposal builds upon Rodney Parade's importance as one of Newport's most significant sporting venues and will support the wider regeneration ambitions for the city centre.
“Rodney Parade attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year, and plays an important role in supporting professional sport, community participation and the local economy.
“This investment will enable the detailed work needed to develop a compelling and deliverable vision for the site, creating opportunities to improve facilities for elite athletes, local communities and disability sport alike."
The feasibility programme will include site investigations, technical surveys, architectural design work and planning activity providing the robust evidence needed to shape future investment decisions.
Dragons will continue to work closely with Newport City Council throughout the development phase, ensuring the investment delivers maximum value and progress is monitored against agreed objectives.
Councillor Batrouni added: “This funding is about much more than improving sports facilities. It is about supporting regeneration, encouraging participation, creating opportunities for residents and helping to secure a strong future for one of Newport's most recognisable sporting venues.
“We are proud to have led the work that has brought this investment to Newport and look forward to being part of the next phase of the project."
Welsh government cabinet minister for local government, housing and planning, Siân Gwenllian, said: "This project shows how Transforming Towns funding can support meaningful regeneration in our town and city centres.
“This underused site has huge potential, and this investment will help Newport City Council and its partners develop a robust, deliverable plan that benefits the whole community, from improved training facilities to expanded community sport and disability sport provision. Welsh government is pleased to support this important next step, and I look forward to seeing the feasibility work progress."
Click below for a Dragons TV special on the new funding for the redevelopment of Rodney Parade.
We are thrilled to have secured this vital funding and out thanks go to Newport City Council and Dimitri for all the support with his landmark moment for the proposed redevelopment...
