ONE of the poorest estates in Wales is set to be the venue for a multi-million-pound centre aiming to encourage people to become entrepreneurs.

Plans have been drawn up for a Celtic Enterprise Village on land at Duffryn High School, Newport - a centre which, it is hoped, will attract people from across South-East Wales and encourage them to start their own businesses.

Head teacher David Snashall says the plans for the site on the Duffryn estate are "exciting". They are currently the subject of public notices, have been put forward in the school's name but are backed by other organisations such as ELWa, the national training council for Wales, and the University of Wales College, Newport.

Mr Snashall said: "We are exploring the possibility of setting up an Enterprise Centre that will encourage the community across South-East Wales to learn more about enterprise in a safe environment."

Mr Snashall said along with the wider community, older students at the school would be given the opportunity to pursue business ideas at the centre.

The plans involve the construction of a single-storey building, complete with offices and a resource area. There would also be a cybercaf, lounge areas, training rooms, crche facilities and workshops.

Mr Snashall said: "We are talking about a multi-million- pound project.We are hoping that we might be able to start some education activities in the enterprise centre by the end of December."

Jonathan Deacon, head of enterprise and marketing at UWCN, said the centre is needed to ensure the economy of Newport and Wales grows and the ideas of local people are marketed globally.

Mr Deacon said: "Our economy isn't as brilliant as other places and we have to make up the shortfall. We need more small companies' births and more people setting up in business."

Local people starting their own businesses offer some hope for those laid off by local firms such as LG Philips Displays and Corus.

Mr Deacon said it is important indigenous companies, based on a knowledge economy and employing local people, are given the chance to thrive.

He said: "This is a focus and an incubator for that."