NEWPORT’S historic Tredegar House is set to be taken over by the National Trust.

The move to transfer management of the house, gardens and parklands to the National Trust could bring in 50,000 more visitors a year, boosting the local economy by an estimated £1.47 million.

If approved by cabinet members at a meeting next Tuesday, the council will retain ownership of one of Newport’s jewels in its crown, while the National Trust will take on a 50-year lease to oversee its running.

The Trust would also be responsible for any repairs, maintenance and restoration work on the house, which needs around £4.5 million worth of work to keep it in good condition.

Under the agreement Newport residents and visitors will still have free access to the park, children’s play area and the council-run library.

If the proposals go ahead the house will be the National Trust’s first major historic house in South East Wales and will be marketed to the charity’s 3.7 million members.

It is hoped this will increase paid visitor numbers from 25,000 a year to 100,000.

Bookings for weddings and other events due to take place after the proposed transfer would be honoured by the National Trust.

Council leader Matthew Evans said: “Tredegar House is extremely important to the city and its residents and we want to ensure it has a successful and positive long-term future. National Trust will be able to give it the profile and promotion that it needs and deserves.”

John Morgan, National Trust director for Wales, said the charity’s aim was to use the house to tell Newport’s history and use it to put the attraction and city on the map for the benefit of the local community.

The 17th century building was the ancestral home of the Morgan Family until the 1950s when it became a convent school, before it was bought by the council in 1974.

The council has been in discussions with the National Trust about involvement in Tredegar House for the past 15 years.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Welcome move

WE believe handing over Newport’s Tredegar House to the National Trust is an important step in preserving this wonderful building for future generations.

The National Trust will take over management of the house, its gardens and parklands.

The Trust, with its huge influence in Wales and England, believes it can bring in an extra 50,000 visitors a year.

Perhaps more importantly the Trust will be responsible for the upkeep and repairs, something that perhaps could not be a priority fora cash-strapped local authority.

Tredegar House is one of South Wales’ jewels and anything that helps bring more visitors to Newport and keep the building in an excellent condition must be welcomed.