PART of Newport Centre could be turned into a new students' union under plans revealed by university and union chiefs.

The University of Wales Newport is looking for a site to expand the current union services on the Caerleon campus, and to improve facilities for students in the city centre when its new £35 million campus opens in 2010.

Newport Centre is just one of several sites being considered in a joint venture between the university and president of the union Tom Bond.

In a joint statement, a spokeswoman said: “We are looking at a few sites, but the Newport Centre one is quite prominent because it is right next door to the campus. If we did go for that site, it would not take over the Newport Centre, but a part of the Newport Centre that is not in use."

Newport Council went even further by describing the Newport centre site as an "ideal location" for a second students' union because it was so close to the new campus and already has many facilities on offer.

Neither the council or the university were willing to put a time frame or figure for investment on the plans at this early stage, but said the development would include a bar for students as well as spaces for live music and band nights.

More than 300 first year students live at the Opus Group university accommodation in the city centre, and hundreds more in private rented houses.

The University said a union in the heart of the Newport would enhance the student experience, as well as providing a new entertainment venue for anyone living in the area.