AROUND 400 names have been suggested for Newport's £11 million riverside theatre and arts centre.

Ideas invited by the Argus and the county borough council are being reduced to a short list on which Newport people will be invited to vote.

Many suggestions reflect the building's riverside setting and the history of the site - names such as Cinderhill Wharf and Usk Side.

References to the town's history are included in the names Chartists' Theatre and Art Centre. Famous Newportonians commemorated include local historian and journalist Fred Hando, wandering poet W H Davies and film actor Desmond Llewellyn.

The Welsh language is represented in Theatre Tair Point (Theatre of the Three Bridges) and references to cultural centres of the past are included in names such as the New Lyceum. (The old Lyceum was on the site of the Metroplex cinema in Bridge Street.)

Others have gone for completely new names, such as The Paragon and the Four Seasons.

The centre, due to open in autumn 2003 after building starts later this year, will have two theatres, a dance studio, workshop spaces and an exhibition gallery.

The council hopes it will offer something for everyone, bringing top acts to Newport, as well as presenting local talent.

Councillor Glyn Jarvis, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and the arts, said the council was spoilt for choice.

"The response this initiative has engendered is further evidence of the high level of support and interest there is in this major development for the town," he said.

The next stage will be for Newport council to join the Arts Council of Wales in creating the short list.

Details of the voting procedure will be announced later.