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Rodney Parade has seen many famous victories in over a century of rugby and the home of the Dragons and Newport RFC will now becoime a multi-purpose site securing its status as one of the premier rugby venues in Wales.
The stadium redevelopment is a joint venture between Newport City Council, Newport Gwent Dragons, Newport RFC, the Welsh Rugby Union and developer Edward Ware, consultants Gleeds and architects S&P, and will be funded by is funded by a mixture of residential, retail, student and hotel developments on the existing Rodney Parade site.
Martyn Hazell, chairman of the Newport Gwent Dragons said: "This is fantastic news for The Dragons and Newport RFC and for all rugby fans in Gwent. The famous Rodney Parade ground is going to be transformed into a state of the art stadium with top class facilities for the players, fans and the greater community. These plans will benefit Welsh rugby and the local area.
"At the outset can we thank the Council for their support on this project and their enthusiasm for ensuring that rugby at the highest level remains in Newport and builds on the strong and viable structures already in place within the organisation. I would also like to thank the WRU for their backing of this project.
"The venture will incorporate a hotel, conference and hospitality provisions, as well as better facilities for spectators and sponsors thereby expanding the revenue streams for the organisation.
"This development and management alongside continued strong financial procedures will allow us to attract top players and more importantly give the academy players somewhere to aspire to play in and be proud to be a part of.
"The Board of Newport RFC and The Dragons have consistently strived to operate within strong financial structures whilst exploring every option to take professional rugby forward within the region. Today's announcement is the next exciting chapter in the life of Rodney Parade, a story that started over 130 years ago as a gift from Lord Tredegar and as it has developed has taken the hopes and aspirations of fans and players alike with it. With this announcement we have secured a top class facility for future aspirants who will live out their dreams at Rodney Parade both on and off the field."
