Chartist Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chartist Tower |
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Chartist Tower from behind Friar's Walk
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| General information | |
| Status | Completed (under renovation) |
| Type | High-rise building |
| Town or city | Newport |
| Country | Wales |
| Coordinates | 51°35′14″N 2°59′42″W / 51.5872845°N 2.9950542°W |
| Completed | 1966 |
| Renovated | 2019 |
| Owner | Garrison Barclay Estates |
| Height | 53.30 m |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 16 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Powell Dobson Architects (redevelopment) |
The Chartist Tower is a tall building in Newport, Wales. It stands 53.3 meters (about 175 feet) high. Built in 1966, it is the tallest building in the city.
Contents
About the Tower's Makeover
A New Look for an Old Building
In 2017, a company called Garrison Barclay Estates (GBE) took over the Chartist Tower. They bought a 250-year lease for £6.5 million. This means they can use the building for a very long time.
The company is now spending £12 million to give the tower a big makeover. The Welsh Government has also helped with loans of up to £2 million. This money helps make the building modern and useful again.
Where to Find the Tower
The Chartist Tower is located on Upper Dock Street in Newport. It's easy to get to from two different sides. You can reach it from the new Friars Walk shopping center. You can also get to it from Commercial Street, which is an older shopping area in the city.
The building was expected to finish its renovation and reopen by the summer of 2019. This makeover will bring new life to the tower and the area around it.
Why is it Called Chartist Tower?
A Name with History
The name Chartist Tower is a special tribute. It honors the people who took part in the Newport Rising in 1839. This event was a very important part of a political movement called Chartism.
What was Chartism?
Chartism was a movement in Britain where ordinary people wanted more say in how their country was run. They created a document called the "People's Charter." This charter asked for several important changes. One of the main goals was for all men to have the right to vote. This idea is called universal suffrage.
The Newport Rising was a key moment in this fight. Many people marched to Newport to demand these changes. The Chartist Tower's name helps us remember their efforts and their importance to the city's history.
Remembering the Past
The developers, GBE, have said that the renovated building will continue to honor the 1839 events. They plan to include special features in the tower that remind people of the Chartist movement and its meaning for Newport.
Images for kids
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Chartist Tower visible behind the Newport City Footbridge, foreground
