Arts Centre Display top

At a current estimated cost of approximately £3·5m the scheme involves the construction of a new 280 metre square basement, four metres deep, beneath the ground floor gallery and main foyer of the theatre and arts centre. The proposal will allow visitors to the theatre and arts centre to access the lower level of the basement via a lift or staircase where they will be able to move around the vessel at various levels. The ship can then be viewed at close proximity from the side.

Sue Essex, who is Minister with responsibility for Cadw added: "Rarely has such an archaeological find captured the public imagination. The ship has generated an enormous interest - not only from the people of Newport, who attended the open days in record numbers, and the media, but also from archaeologists and maritime historians from all over the world. Clearly, we must look after this precious find for the future. This is an historic treasure not only for the City of Newport, but for Wales as a nation."

To view copies of the Council plans for the basement please click here

To view projection of bow and stern sections outside the cofferdam click here

The council estimate of costs for the scheme to house the ship are as follows:-

(Source - Newport Borough Council Press Release 23 August 2002)

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SOS Comment on Art Centre Display top

• Council plans do not allow for incorporation of the bow and the stern which have yet to be recovered. This is a wasted opportunity as we believe the reconstruction of the entire ship is essential to a full understanding of the vessel.

• Doubts remain that a 4 metre viewing gallery will be high enough to accommodate the ship. Equally the space to be given overall does not appear to leave adequate room for the associated artefacts that should be shown alongside the ship.

• We anticipate that cramped viewing areas will result in restrictions on visitor numbers.

• The decision to display the ship in the basement of the Art Centre represents a lost opportunity to present this ship alongside the other boats recently excavated in the area and the numerous maritime artefacts currently in storage.

• Only a dedicated Maritime and Industrial Archaeological Museum will be capable of providing an adequate response to the significance of this find and Wales’ rich heritage.

• The display of the ship in an underground gallery as proposed will pose insurmountable problems with long term conservation of the timbers and the mechanical reconstruction of the vessel.
  

To view copies of the Council plans for the basement please click here

To read Council press release please click here

To read the Paul Flynn plan for a riverside centre please click here

Conservation and Management Plan top

The security of the find continues to be jeopardised while there is no action on this point. The Friends of the Newport Ship believes that no contract has been placed at this time for the necessary post excavation work and detailed recording and that the recently publicised dispute over payments to the Gwent Glamorgan Archaeological Trust represents a serious threat to the project.

There are a number of experts of international standing who have the necessary experience to advise on these matters and have already expressed a willingness to contribute. The Friends of the Newport Ship calls on Newport Council to convene an advisory panel guide the development of the project.

To view an outline plan please click here

World Monuments Watch top

The World Monuments fund is currently considering the case for a listing of the Newport Mediaeval Ship as one of the world 100 most threatened monuments. An announcement will be made in August 2003.

Watch this space

Usk and Severn Maritime Museum top

With all the maritime heritage in the area there is some call for an Usk and Severn Maritime Museum. Newport West MP Paul Flynn supports the idea and last year voiced his own ideas at a public meeting.

To read Paul Flynn's comments please click here

Newport Mediaeval Ship Trust Fund top