THE Arts Centre site will no longer be suitable for housing Newport's medieval ship now that more unique features have been uncovered, a Gwent Assembly Member claims.

A wooden scaffold was recently discovered as the 500-year-old ship was being raised from the mud banks of the River Usk, and experts said it could only add to the vessel's significance.

There is renewed speculation that the area could have been a medieval shipyard.

Conservative AM William Graham said yesterday: "The national importance of this ship and the construction of the facilities to allow it to be exhibited are far greater than the Art Centre currently being constructed on the site."

But a spokeswoman for Newport council said it was premature to speculate about the nature and value of the latest discovery.

Mr Graham said: "The timber cradle that has been uncovered beneath the ship is unique. There are four other examples of medieval trading vessels across Europe, but only one known example of this type of wooden cradle.

"It also increases the possibilities that there may be more than one ship uncovered on this site.

"It must now be obvious to everyone that there is such a degree of national, if not international importance for this ship, that the construction of the facilities to allow all the finds to be displayed is now far greater than the Art Centre project.

"The significance of the finds on this site demands that another site for the display of this vessel must be found.

"I would suggest a suitable venue to be the Old Maltings, Old Town Dock, as a suitable venue for a Newport Maritime Museum.

"There is a wealth of artefacts, materials and record of Newport's long maritime history that is rarely displayed. We have a unique opportunity to place on public display an insight into Newport's place in history."

The council spokeswoman said archaeologists were still examining the latest find and that it was wrong to speculate until they know exactly what they are dealing with.

She said the basement of the Theatre and Arts Centre that will house the ship was still going ahead, and added: "It's a great location, near to where it was found, and a great way of showing it to the public."

The lifting of the keel of the ship, the final part to be excavated, will take place at noon today.