A distinctive building known to thousands of residents, and thousands of train passengers too(Image: Seel & Co Auctions)

City centre attraction hundreds of thousands visited now sits eerily empty

by · Wales Online

A truly exceptional chance to purchase one of Newport's most distinctive landmark properties, standing proudly for decades in a highly visible location at the junction of Clarence Place and Chepstow Road.

Previously home to The Odeon cinema and, in more recent times known as The Neon and at one time a nightclub too, the substantial building is walking distance to the city centre as well as a landmark property that has intrigued passengers for decades as they trundle past on a train heading out of Newport.

The building is described as having a 1930s modernist style with Art Deco influences, and was awarded a Grade II listing by Cadw in 1999 for being 'Rare surviving example in Wales of cinema whose exterior preserves the distinctive architectural vocabulary of the 1930s Odeon style'. For more home, renovation and interiors stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

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The Neon dates back to 1938 when it was designed by Arthur Price, according to the listing, which for some building historians might be a surprise as architect Harry Weedon is usually credited with the design of Odeon cinemas across the UK, he actually held an executive position and employed a team of designers, but has overall control of the plans and the style.

The structure represents one of the few remaining examples of Art Deco architecture in south Wales on the outside but sadly many of the 1930s detailing has been lost over the years through conversions and updates - but reviving the building by a new owner could also mean reinstating the interior to reflect the exterior design.

Throughout the years, the building has hosted various leisure and entertainment uses that include cinema, live music performances, conferences and events, and even wrestling, as the substantial open-plan spaces and flexible internal areas.

These could be adapted to suit numerous future purposes, including the potential for multi-unit accommodation, subject to obtaining any required consents of course.

Located along one of Newport's main arterial roads leading into the city centre, the property benefits from outstanding visibility and ease of access. Newport railway station, the M4 motorway network and the city's shopping and business facilities are all readily accessible.

The Neon is going to online auction with Seel & Co Auctions with bidding opening on Monday, July 6 at noon and ending at 4.21pm on Tuesday, July 7, with a guide price of £150,000, call 029 2037 0117 to find out more.

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The building, currently called The Neon, was designed and built in 1938 with 'a 1930s modernist style with Art Deco influences'.(Image: Seel & Co Auctions)
Over its lifetime the building known to thousands of people has been the Odeon cinema - its primary reason for being built, as well as a nightclub and events venue(Image: Seel & Co Auctions)
The red brick rear and side facades is the view train passengers get to see as the main south Wales to London Paddington route runs along side it(Image: Seel & Co Auctions)