WORK to transform a former bank in Newport city centre into a pub is taking shape.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the former RBS bank on Commercial Street was set for a new lease of life, with plans to open a pub inside.

Workers were spotted going in and out of the building, as part of efforts to rejuvenate the building, which has stood empty since the bank closed its doors to customers in August 2018.

While this was ongoing, the outside of the building remained largely unchanged.

But, in recent days, this has changed.

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A new sign has been spotted outside main entrance of the building – showing what appears to be a hobbyhorse on a yellow background.

Though slightly faded, the text on the sign reads “Rhymney” – the name of the brewery which has submitted the plans to open the pub.

The planning application and an adjoining premises licence have been submitted to Newport City Council by Marc Evans of Rhymney Brewery Limited.

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Rhymney Brewery, a Torfaen-based company, is best known for its ales rather than operating pubs – though they do have a small number of physical premises, primarily in the South Wales area.

Currently, they are believed to have pubs in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Aberdare, Pontypridd and Maesteg.

At their headquarters, the company opened a visitor centre, allowing members of the public a behind the scenes look at the brewing process, and a history of the popular beverage in the region.

South Wales Argus: Latest pictures show work continuing at the pub siteLatest pictures show work continuing at the pub site

Currently, the planning process to transform this site remains ongoing.

If approved, the venue would be allowed to serve alcohol, play live sporting events and music, in addition to hosting live music.

The proposed hours for this site are currently stated as 8am to 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, 8am to midnight from Friday to Saturday, and 8am to 11.30pm on Sundays.

Should plans be approved, the Newport pub would be their latest, and would create two full time, and six part time jobs in the area.

Given its location in Newport, no parking provision is needed to be supplied in relation to this application – though the applicant is required to provide a detailed plan for managing deliveries.

The planning application can be viewed online here.