Heartbreaking Closure of the Westgate Hotel, Newport

 

Newport’s historic Westgate Hotel, which had been rescued and brought back into use as a vibrant cultural and entertainment venue after years lying empty and decaying, is once again closed and facing an uncertain future following sudden and unexpected action by the leaseholder of the building.

 

In a statement today the management team at ‘The Westgate’, which has been staging popular music and other productions under licence at the iconic venue since 2019 said:

 

“We are deeply saddened to announce that our efforts to revitalise the Westgate Hotel have come to an abrupt halt. Despite years of hard work and investment, endless time spent on renovations, and the overwhelming goodwill we have received from the community, we face a sudden and unexplained decision by the leaseholder to terminate our agreement, effectively ending our work to restore this hugely important building in the heart of the city. Apart from the loss of a valued community asset we are very concerned about this new threat to a priceless piece of Newport heritage given the hotel’s links to the Chartist uprising of 1839 and the historic movement to win the vote for ordinary people."

 

A Partnership Halted Mid-Stride

 

David Daniel, one of the directors of The Westgate and project director of Newport Rising festival, which celebrates the city’s Chartist history, said: “Until very recently, our relationship with the leaseholder appeared to be on solid ground. We had entered negotiations for a promising Community Ownership Fund bid earlier this year. This bid had the potential to transform the Westgate into a hub of community and culture, increasing its use as a much needed live event space and adding community hire, facilities and a return to its status as a hotel, all while preserving its rich history as a monument to Newport’s Chartist History. This sudden reversal leaves a string of unanswered questions and a community robbed of what was becoming an increasingly valuable asset.

 

The Gravity of Loss for Newport and a Looming Crisis for a Historic Asset

 

The implications of this unexpected termination go far beyond our organisation and directly impact Newport, a city already burdened with a lamentably high number of vacant buildings. The Westgate Hotel though is not just another building; it's a historic monument steeped in heritage. Despite this, the Westgate Hotel - arguably the most significant building in the city centre - has been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 2009 and has decayed greatly during the current leaseholder’s stewardship.

“When we undertook the project in 2019, the Westgate had already been a squat and had been severely vandalised. It was in a state of advanced dilapidation that would have only worsened had we not intervened. We took on the monumental task of caring for this ailing structure, investing time, funds, and energy in an effort to bring it back to life. Despite our hard work, the building is now at risk of falling back into the same cycle of decline and deterioration.”

 

If the Westgate remains unoccupied and uncared for, we have significant fears for its future. It will not just be a loss to the heart of Newport; it will be a cultural and historical tragedy that extends far beyond our city's boundaries. The leaseholder’s decision to sever our partnership is more than just a business misstep; it places an invaluable asset in jeopardy and heightens the risk of vandalism, squatting, and further decay.

 

A Rising Tide of Community Support

 

“Our hearts are full as we think of all the support we've received during this journey. Whether it was through attending one of our events, or simply sharing in our vision, your support has been invaluable. A special thank you to organisations like the Music Venue Trust, Our Chartist Heritage, Newport Rising, Newport BID, The CAB, Le Pub and everyone that gave us such incredible support. The overwhelming encouragement we've received since our summary eviction has only deepened our belief in the Westgate's potential.”

 

“For the sake of the city It's important that this is not the end of the Westgate story and that we acknowledge the strides we've made in rejuvenating this landmark site. From removing the unsightly security hoarding and boarded-up windows to installing dignified entrance doors, we've breathed new life into the Westgate Hotel. Furthermore, our collaboration with forensic experts and historians to examine the famous pillars in the entranceway has provided definitive proof that the bullet holes are genuine relics of the Chartist uprising—adding yet another layer to its rich historical tapestry. We've also successfully hosted a huge variety of events, from school educational trips to live performances by international acts and welcomed thousands who have come to love the Westgate as we do. Our heartfelt thanks go to all the volunteers and supporters who invested their time and energy. While our time here is ending for the moment, we're profoundly grateful for what we've accomplished together.”

 

A Sad Farewell to Planned Events

 

The consequences of this situation include the cancellation of forthcoming events. This means that much-anticipated events such as Pride in the Port celebrations were moved and the celebrations after this year's torchlit march for Newport Rising Festival will also need to be adjusted - a disappointment that is profoundly felt by all involved.

 

Newport Rising Festival Chair Eoghan Mortell said:

 

“Given its unique place in the area’s Chartist history, the Westgate building has become an increasingly valuable part of the annual Newport Rising Festival. While we’re massively disappointed that this asset will be denied to participants this year, the festival will go ahead with just as much determination and excitement. We will have our symbolic torchlit march down Stow Hill and we will use other city centre venues and partners to create that special atmosphere, including our own new and soon to be opened venue.”

 

 

David Daniel added:

 

"We have been transparent in our dealings and have operated in good faith since the beginning, and it is unfortunate that the same courtesy was not extended to us. Though we thought things were improving and had clear communication from the leaseholder, this sudden departure follows a pattern of unclear actions and contradictions from the leaseholder and their representatives, culminating in an abrupt termination without notice or consideration. We have no choice but to conclude that our time at the Westgate is over for the time being, despite the potential that remains unrealised. We hope that the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the leaseholder's motives will eventually lift, leading to a resolution that benefits the community and looks to the long term future of the building.

 

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who believed in our mission. The outpouring of support following this ordeal has been both incredible and heartening. If one thing has been clear throughout our stay at the Westgate it's this: the people of Newport love the Westgate and want to see it renewed. Though we must say goodbye to the Westgate for now, we remain hopeful that it will rise again to fulfil its true potential.

 

 

If you wish to help or learn more about the Westgate Project please contact hello@atthewestgate.co.uk

or call 07727242385

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Petition was circulated in Welsh, as well as English, but not Irish. Hugh Williams of Carmarthen, an honorary member of the LWMA, produced the Welsh translation.