A group working to regenerate a historic city hotel have been evicted, plunging the future of the building into doubt again. Last week someone working on behalf of the leaseholder of the Westgate Hotel in Newport city centre changed the locks at the hotel, and David Daniel and Gavin Facey, co-directors of community group Newport Rising, were informed that their time at the Westgate was over.
Newport’s most famous hotel had been unused for almost 20 years before Newport Rising was given the keys and permission to set about bringing the space back to life in 2019. The Westgate is renowned for being one of the city’s most known and respected buildings, with a direct connection to the Chartist uprising of 1839. It is 184 years since 22 men were shot dead by the authorities outside the Westgate during the uprising, and David said he is proud to have played a part in the hotel’s story.
Since 2012 the hotel’s leaseholder has been GLN Properties. On Companies House London-based Nizakat Ali is named as the sole director of the company. It is his only remaining active company after his many Asian sweets businesses were dissolved.
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From 2012 to 2019 the hotel remained derelict until David and Gavin agreed to take on a de facto tenancy, although they didn’t sign a contract. Newport Rising has since held many events at the hotel including gigs, art exhibitions, and community events celebrating the hotel’s past. The group’s collaboration with forensic experts and historians has provided proof that visible bullet holes in the pillars at the hotel’s entrance are genuine relics of the uprising - adding another layer to the building’s rich heritage.
Newport Rising’s belongings, including heavy furniture, artefacts, artwork and posters which the group wants to move to a new venue called Chartist Hub at 170 Commercial Street, remain locked inside the hotel. In a statement David and Gavin wrote how they were “deeply saddened” by recent events and described their eviction as “abrupt”.
“Despite years of hard work and investment, endless time spent on renovations, and the overwhelming goodwill we have received from the community, we face a sudden and unexplained decision by the leaseholder to unilaterally terminate our agreement, effectively ending our work to restore this hugely important building in the heart of the city," they wrote.
The pair explained how their relationship with Mr Ali “had appeared to be on solid ground”. “We had entered into discussions for a promising Community Ownership Fund bid earlier this year. This bid had the potential to transform the Westgate into a hub of community and culture, increasing its use as a much needed live event space and adding community hire, facilities and a potential return to its status as a hotel, all while preserving its rich history. This sudden reversal leaves us with a string of unanswered questions.
“When we took over the project in 2019, the Westgate was in a state of advanced dilapidation that would have only worsened had we not intervened. We took on the monumental task of caring for this ailing structure, investing time, funds, and energy in an effort to bring it back to life. Despite our hard work, the building is now at risk of falling back into the same cycle of decline and deterioration.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who believed in our mission. The outpouring of support following this ordeal has been both incredible and heartening. If one thing has been clear throughout our stay at the Westgate it's this: the people of Newport love the Westgate and want to see it renewed. Though we must say goodbye to the Westgate for now, we remain hopeful that it will rise again to fulfil its true potential.”
On Newport Rising’s new Chartist Hub, David said: “Original Chartist artefacts should be on display in the unit soon and also the banners and the furniture that are currently in the Westgate should be there if we’re able to get back into the hotel to get it. We’re going to make sure we have plenty going on for the Newport Rising Festival too.”
The annual Newport Rising Festival, including live music and torch-lit march which culminates outside the venue, will be going ahead as normal from November 2 to November 4, organisers have said.
WalesOnline has contacted Mr Ali for comment.
