IT is the job of Nicolas Young to reconcile two opposing philosophies about how Newport's new Riverfront arts centre is used.

There are those who say the best way to recoup on the £16m building cost is to get bums on seats. Others say Newport's intellectual life is a fragile flower which should be sheltered and nurtured by the Riverfront's imposing and modernistic structure.

There is a lot to be said, therefore, for having a philosopher running the place. Nicolas Young is a skilled hunter amid the tangled thickets of theatre and arts administration.

He is also a philosopher, with a degree in the subject from Warwick University, and this has given him a belief in systems and organisation.

On Saturday, October 23, when the Riverfront opens with fireworks and much partying, Welsh singing sensation Katherine Jenkins will appear with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Greater Gwent Youth Choir for renditions of music from shows, films and opera.

What follows for the remainder of the season is a pot-pourri which includes comedian Bradley Walsh; Shakespeare's Tempest; a play by Welsh writer Frank Vickery; an evening with John Sergeant, the seasoned TV political editor; the Circus of Horrors ('the greatest, the most bizarre circus acts in the world') a pantomime; and things for children.

Nicolas, 43, comes to Newport from being chief executive at the Theatre Royal at Winchester.

He says: "The worst thing you can do is to try to appeal to everyone in the same programme.

"But if you put on, say, 12 productions, each of which appeals to a certain part of the audience, then you have more chance of getting things right.

"At Winchester I was head of a theatre slightly smaller than the Riverfront, with 400 seats as opposed to our 493 in the main theatre. I am experienced therefore at turning people away who I don't think will be quite right for us.

"We are not going to be able to have the entire Royal Shakespeare Company there, for instance, but it is ample for the high-quality productions that are tailored for venues in the 400 - 800 range."

In addition there is the studio theatre, which has 150 seats for smaller productions which might well be produced locally.

There is also an art gallery which will work in conjunction with the Museum and Art Gallery.

Then there is a bar and cafe, a large dance studio for dance and other rehearsals; the basement, where the Newport Ship will be; a recording studio; smaller studios and workshops plus a meeting room.