PARTS of the former University of South Wales Caerleon Campus have been awarded listed status by the Welsh Government.

The historic 100-year-old Caerleon campus building was under threat of being demolished in a housing plan.

The University of South Wales left the 32-acre site in July last year, and later launched a public consultation on plans for the site’s future use.

One of the proposals was residential housing that would see the training college demolished to make way for between 200 to 400 houses built on the site- a suggestion which sparked anger and protests from Caerleon residents.

As well as the main building, the Principal’s Residence, Gate Piers and Caretaker’s / Gardener’s Lodge, which are also located on the site, have also been given Grade II listed status.

Chairman of Caerleon Civic Society Mike Singleton welcomed the announcement.

He said: "I am thrilled to bits. That building is so important to the spirit and heart of Caerleon.

"Listing is great, but it is just the start of the process."

In the report by Cadw the building is listed for its special architectural interest as a well preserved example of early 20th century educational architecture and that it is a teacher training college of “fine quality and character”.

The report says: “Its form and appearance reflects the functions of the College and the requirements of teacher training during this period.

“It is not the intention to list the sports facility building, the Rathmell building or other modern additions to the rear and side of the Teacher Training College building as they are not considered to meet the criteria for listing.” 

A Cadw spokesman said: “Following careful consideration of this case we were pleased to confirm the listing of the Caerleon Teacher Training College Building, the Principal’s Residence, Caretaker’s / Gardener’s Lodge and the entrance gate piers.  

“These buildings have been listed for their special architectural interest as a well preserved example of early 20th Century educational architecture, of fine quality and character.  

"Works to these buildings will now be regulated by Newport City Council through the requirement for listed building consent.”

A spokeswoman for the University of South Wales said: "The University remains true to its desire to find a viable use for the old college building as part of a sustainable future for the former campus site.  

"We have engaged positively with Cadw in that spirit. The extra constraints imposed by listing on a future owner will be factored into the developing outline planning application, which will of course be subject to further public consultation at the appropriate time.

"We'll be continuing to keep the community updated."