IT is fantastic news that the former LG building in Newport, which stood empty for so long, is now just three months away from being a viable workplace.

Built to the highest standards in the world at the time, the aircraft hangar of a building which was to house LG, was proofed against earthquakes and boasted the cleanest environment possible, to enable the production of sensitive semiconductors.

Unfortunately before it even opened the microchip market collapsed and the rest is history.

The building was left to stand empty, a white elephant which despite other schemes and plenty of controversy, seemed as if it would never open for business.

Now the Next Generation Data Centre is preparing to open its doors following major investment and refurbishment to make the building suitable for a new high-security, hit-tech venture.

Work is already happening for two companies to move their data storage systems to the site and other long term contracts have already been signed which will see organisations moving in early next year.

It is hoped that more than 100 highly skilled jobs will be created.

Hopefully these will be sustainable jobs and will be a real boost to Newport's economy.

More importantly the company 's success may attract other similar firms to this area.

Overall Newport city council and the Welsh Assembly can heave a sigh of relief that at long last one of the landmark buildings in Newport's west side is being used.