NEWPORT’S Tredegar House will be run by the National Trust, councillors agreed.

Cabinet members unanimously gave the nod to plans to transfer the management of the 17th century manor house to the charity at a meeting on Wednesday.

Harry Heeley, the Trust’s assistant director for south Wales, told members the move would boost visitor numbers and secure a sustainable financial future for the house, which currently costs the council £462,000 a year to run.

He said the charity’s involvement would improve visitors’ experience and protect the property in the long term, carrying out necessary repairs and improvements believed to be in the region of £4.5 million.

The charity hopes to improve the children’s play ground area, reopen the orchard gardens, and restore the historic walled gardens to their former glory.

Mr Heeley said the Trust would look to provide jobs for local apprentices and hoped to enlist the help of local volunteers to help run the attraction, which will be open 364 days a year.

Cllr Mike Hamilton, cabinet members for continuing learning and leisure, said: “This property could be a huge asset to the community but we need to deal with it right.

“The National Trust are the best protector of stately homes in the country and their involvement is the best way to protect the house and provide a better asset for the community of Newport.”

Once the agreement is signed, the transfer could take place next Spring.

The council will still own the building and Newport residents and visitors will still have free access to the park, children’s play area and the council-run library.