PLANS are under way for a multi-million pound development of Newbridge which will see the creation of arts and sports facilities, housing and commercial developments.

The plans, thought to be worth around £12m, are still in the early stages. They will go out to public consultation this summer.

Funding is still being sought for the scheme but if all goes according to plan Newbridge will get a new rugby facility, leisure centre, arts centre and housing.

Councillor Rob Gough, cabinet member for economic development and Objective One, on Caerphilly county borough council, said the partners in the scheme were now looking at all possible methods of funding the project.

He said they would be exploring the possibility of gaining Objective One funding, National Lottery grants and money from the Sports Council of Wales.

"It is a massive scheme which would enhance the whole of the Newbridge area. I think it is a vision for the future -if we can find the funding, it will be a facility anybody in Wales would be proud of."

Plans include improved facilities at Newbridge RFC, with a new ground created on fields currently used by Newbridge Comprehensive School.

The school would take over the rugby club's current ground, and there are also plans to build a creative arts centre there.

Headmaster Allan Raybould said the arts centre would include a photography studio, art gallery, dance and drama studios and music rooms, which would be open to the community as well as school pupils.

Mr Raybould said: "From the community's point of view it is an all-win situation. We are all going to benefit from this."

Also among proposals are a new leisure centre for the school and the public, and the development of land for commercial and retail use and new housing at South Celynen.

The scheme involves several partners, including Caerphilly council, Newbridge RFC, Newbridge Comprehensive School and a range of sporting organisations, along with Groundwork Caerphilly, Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations and Crosskeys College. Funding has not yet been identified.

Former Plaid Cymru president Dafydd Wigley has praised the proposals. Mr Wigley was told of the plans for the town when he attended a meeting at the rugby club. He said: "This initiative answers all the criteria of a high quality community-led plan. "The fact that Newbridge RFC, the local school and the private sector are all set to benefit from it is indicative of its quality and its potential benefit to the whole community."

South Wales East AM Jocelyn Davies said: "The plan will include pedestrian links between the town and the school campus and leisure centre. Improving road safety has been a concern of residents for many years and this is to be welcomed."