Monmouthshire Council has granted planning permission for a proposed mixed-use waterfront development in Chepstow. The 2.4-hectare development, overlooking the river Wye, comprises 57 houses, 112 apartments, 5,102 sq ft of office space and a 1,055 sq ft restaurant. The site contains a scheduled ancient monument and adjoins a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Barton Willmore provided planning and masterplanning support to the application.

Work has started on the £7m renovation of Gwyn Hall in Neath. The project aims to restore the fire damaged community arts centre, build a new 400-seat theatre, a 140-capacity studio venue and a 70-seat cinema. The work was commissioned by Neath Port Talbot Council, which owns the building, with Holder Mathias Architects creating the new design. The construction uses the shell of the original building.

The EU Renewable ENergy REgions Network (RENREN), in which the Assembly Government is one of 14 partners, has been launched in Germany. The project aims to improve regional frameworks for renewable energy expansion, examining various technologies and promoting knowledge sharing. Environment minister Jane Davidson said: “Done successfully, this will strengthen our economic wellbeing, improve the environment and help to address key social issues such as fuel poverty.”