ONE of the most prized empty buildings in the middle of Newport could return to its former function as an academic centre.

The old Newport Art College in Clarence Place is believed to be one of the properties being considered by the University College of Wales Newport as a site on which it could create a campus presence in the city centre.

And the owner has told Business Argus that he would be willing to contact UWCN about the building's future.

College principal Professor James Lusty has admitted that he would like to see the college have a presence in the city close to the main rail connection.

The college is saying only that a number of sites are being investigated but the Argus understands the art college building could be on the list. A college spokeswoman said it had been working closely with Newport council in looking at different sites.

For its part, the council is keen to see the building in use again.

Another possibility being looked at by the college is a 'green site' project in the centre, which would mean a new building.

But the building's owner, Mr Thila Garaj, of H Court Ltd, has told Business Argus that he did not know the college was looking for a site and would be interested in discussing it.

He bought the building, a listed property, two years ago and had plans for building mezzanine residential units there but claimed that funding promised had not materialised.

This meant that the plans were on hold until such time as the cost of conversion matched the investment in the building.

He might now have to put in further planning permission for a scheme "If the college wants a building near the railway station this is close," he said.

"It has lots of character, which is why we bought it, there are plans for homes near the river and all they would have to do is refurbish it."

Argus investigations reveal that WDA grants were available for improvements to the outside of the building but these have not been taken up.

The art college is one of Newport's most distinctive buildings. In the Sixties it was renowned throughout Britain, being regarded by many as in the top three art colleges after the Royal College of Art and others in London.

It was part of the Gwent College of Higher Education then become redundant with a move to new premises on the Caerleon campus of what is now UWCN.