THE firm behind plans for a new super-university site in Newport said it is pressing ahead with the scheme despite opposition before the project was even launched.

The multi-million- pound plans were unveiled yesterday by former rugby star Scott Gibbs and company Liberty Properties, who want to build a campus and business park on 420 acres of land at Caerleon Park, Newport.

The project is a rival to plans to create a new site for the University of Wales, Newport, on four acres in the city centre near the Riverfront theatre. But Newport council and Newport Unlimited, who are behind that original scheme, say the new plans are not suitable for the area.

Mike James, director of Liberty Properties, said: "It is important Newport University has choice. We strongly believe edge-of- town campuses are the right thing for the university. If you put it in the town centre there are facilities that are going to be denied. "It is a one-stop answer."

Mr James said: "There is unlimited scope for growth, the business park helping regeneration to not only Newport, but Gwent.

"It is a vibrant place for people to live, learn, work and play." Chris Potts, from Hepher Dixon, a planning and regeneration consultancy, said their plans were consistent with promoting growth in Newport and the status of the university.

Mr Potts said it would complement and enhance the city centre regeneration.

He added that they were in ongoing dialogue with the city council regarding the proposals.

The plan also includes student and key worker accommodation, a theatre and performing arts centre, sports facilities for 15,000, including five open-air sports fields, and provision for covered internal facilities including squash, tennis and fitness centres.

The plans are now before the board of governors of University of Wales, Newport.

Newport council managing director Chris Freegard said the new proposals for housing on the site were in direct contravention of the draft Unitary Development Plan.