A project to convert a former community learning centre in Newport into 15 city centre apartments is due to be completed this year, a housing association has said.
The Victorian red-brick building in Charles Street was built around 1900 and first used as a school of art.
It was also granted Grade II listed status by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.
Plans to convert the building into one and two-bed apartments across the building’s three floors and rear annexe were approved by Newport council in August, 2018.
And a spokeswoman for the housing association, Newport City Homes, said the project is making “good progress.”
“We are working with local contractor MVR Solutions to convert the impressive building that used to house the Arts College into 15 new city centre apartments, while respecting the original architecture,” the spokeswoman said.
“There are a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, which are due to be completed later this year.
“We are monitoring all our regeneration and development work closely during the coronavirus pandemic, and following government guidance.
“If there are any resulting delays to our work on Charles Street we will continue to keep all local residents, stakeholders and councillors informed.”
The scheme aims to retain the character and appearance of the building, including its main hall and lecture hall, with the only external alterations being the fitting of rooflights.
Refurbishments include the removal of the modern stairlift and spiral staircase, while renovating the main hall to its “original form and appearance”.
Under the plans originally submitted, each of the apartments will have an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room, one or two bedrooms and a bathroom.
Cycle storage and refuse facilities also featured in the planning application, but on-site parking will not be provided due to “the absence of any direct vehicular access” onto Charles Street.
