Formal Council Questions and Responses

At this Formal Council Questions and Responses meeting, Councillor Fouweather asked about archaeology on the site of the new leisure centre beside the Newport riverbank. Councillor Spencer, Cabinet Member for Communities and Sport, said archaeologists from Archaeology Wales Limited carried out a watching brief during the work, and that remains of a former canal retaining wall were found and shared with Heneb. The minute records no decision.

1. Archaeology on the new leisure centre site

   Decided

   The minutes record no decision on this item.

   Why

   Councillor Fouweather asked whether the council took out archaeological insurance for the building, whether any finds were made during excavations, and whether a watching brief was followed and by which archaeological trust. Councillor Spencer said a watching brief, where archaeologists observe ground works as they happen so they can identify, record and advise on any remains, is a requirement of the planning permission. Remains of the former canal retaining wall were found and details were shared with Heneb. The minute does not record an answer on insurance.

   Based on the minutes

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1. 1

   Question to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Sport : 2026/19 - Archaeological Sensitivity New Leisure Centre

   Minute

   Councillor Fouweather asked: Given that the Newport river bank is a site of archaeological sensitivity did the council take out archaeological insurance on the building of the new leisure centre. During the excavations off the new site were any discoveries of archaeological significance made and was a watching brief followed and if so by which archaeological trust . Councillor Spencer responded: As is standard practice on major construction projects in areas known to be archaeologically sensitive, archaeologists from Archaeology Wales Limited undertook a watching brief on the site of the new leisure centre. This watching brief is a requirement of the planning permission and required the Council to identify, record, and advise on any archaeological remains encountered during development. As you will have seen in the press last year, remains of the former canal retaining wall were found and details shared with Heneb.

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