Newport Civic Centre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Newport Civic Centre |
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Canolfan Ddinesig Casnewydd
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The south elevation of the building
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name: Newport Civic Centre | |
| Designated: | 14 September 1999 |
| Reference #: | 22333 |
| Town or city | Newport |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 51°35′19″N 3°00′22″W / 51.588713°N 3.006011°W |
| Construction started | 1937 |
| Completed | 1964 |
| Client | Newport Corporation |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Thomas Cecil Howitt |
Newport Civic Centre (which is called Canolfan Ddinesig Casnewydd in Welsh) is a really important building in Newport, South Wales. It's where the Newport City Council has its main offices. Think of it as the city's main office building! This special building is also listed as a Grade II* building, which means it's historically important and protected.
Contents
A Look Back: Newport's Old Town Halls
Before the Newport Civic Centre was built, Newport had two other town halls. The very first one opened in 1843 on Commercial Street. It was built in a classical style.
However, this first town hall soon became too small. So, a second one was built in the same street. This new building was designed in the Renaissance style and finished in 1885. But even this second town hall wasn't big enough for the growing city's needs.
Building the Newport Civic Centre
Starting the Project
Because the old town halls were too small, the city leaders decided to build a brand new civic centre. They chose a spot where an old property called St Mary's Lodge used to be.
A very special event happened on 14 July 1937. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited to officially start the building work. The King himself cut the first piece of ground!
Design and Construction
The building was designed by Thomas Cecil Howitt after a competition. He chose the popular Art Deco style for the building. It was built using Portland stone, a strong and beautiful type of rock.
Building work was slowed down by the Second World War. But after the war ended, construction continued. The inside of the building was finished, and 12 amazing murals by a German artist named Hans Feibusch were put up. The tall clock tower was also completed during this time. The Newport Civic Centre finally opened its doors in 1964.
The Building's Design and Purpose
How the Civic Centre Looks
The Newport Civic Centre has a very wide and balanced front. It faces Fields Road and has 37 sections, called bays. The middle part has five bays with a huge, rounded entrance on the ground floor. Above this entrance is the famous clock tower. There are also wings on both sides of the main section.
What Happens Inside
Inside the building, some of the most important rooms are the council chamber and the mayor's parlour. The council chamber is where the city's leaders meet to make decisions for Newport. The mayor's parlour is the mayor's special office.
The building was first used by the Newport Borough Council. But in 2002, Newport was given "city status" as part of a special competition for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. After that, the building became the home of the Newport City Council.
Special Features and Art
You can find some interesting things around the Civic Centre. Outside, there's a special sandstone plaque. It was put there on 7 October 2011 to remember the 2010 Ryder Cup, a big golf event held nearby.
Inside, there are also works of art. One famous sculpture by David Evans is called "Labour." It shows two strong miners working hard.
