The Westgate Hotel, Past, Present and Future:
The Westgate hotel, a historic landmark in our city, holds significant importance as a turning point in history that advanced modern-day democracy, a reminder of our struggles for political beliefs.
We call upon this council to do everything in its power to ensure the future of this historic building.
With your support, we could be reclaiming this remarkable building, preserving our history while shaping a brighter future for the Westgate, the City, and our Citizens.
The Motion is to be proposed by Councillor Routley and seconded by Councillor Mogford.
Minutes:
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Routley to introduce the notice of motion, with Councillor Mogford to second.
The Westgate Hotel, a historic landmark in our city, holds significant importance as a turning point in history that advanced modern-day democracy, a reminder of our struggles for political beliefs.
We call upon this Council to do everything in its power to ensure the future of this historic building.
With your support, we could be reclaiming this remarkable building, preserving our history while shaping a brighter future for the Westgate, the city, and our citizens.
Councillor Routley explained that the motion was brought to Council in reference to the importance of the Chartist movement and in unify the Council. Councillor Routley went on to say that on 19 October 2023 when the Westgate volunteer group found themselves locked out of the Westgate Hotel without notice. This group had done a remarkable job in celebrating the Chartist movement and supporting the Westgate Hotel.
The motion was therefore to preserve the past. Councillor Routley wanted support for the motion, or even the amendment to the motion, to recognise and honour the fallen in the 22 men who lost their lives at the Westgate Hotel in 1839. This motion was therefore about protection of the Westgate Hotel and turning it into a living monument.
Councillor Mogford reserved the right to speak at the end of the debate.
Councillor Drewett proposed the following amendment to the Motion:
The Westgate Hotel, a historic landmark in our city, symbolises a significant point in history that advanced modern democracy. Promotion and preservation of our cultural and heritage assets is a strategic priority for Newport.
This Council will do everything in its power to ensure the future of this historic building by including it in the Placemaking Plan and the Cultural Strategy, together with input from all stakeholders, preserving our history while shaping a brighter future for the Westgate, the city, and our citizens.
Councillor Mudd seconded the amendment to the motion.
At the request of Councillor Evans, the amendment was circulated to Members for their information.
Councillor Mudd reserved the right to speak at the end of the debate.
Councillor Drewett mentioned that the substantial difference between the original motion and the amendment was that it considered that the Westgate Hotel was already going to be part of the Placemaking Plan and Cultural Strategy.
Councillor Drewett reserved the right to speak at the end of the debate.
Comments of Councillors:
§ Councillor Hughes was surprised by the original motion and whilst the amendment was valued, the legacy to protect democracy and what the Chartists were trying to achieve was more important.
§ Councillor Screen supported the amendment, which he considered was about preserving the cultural heritage of Newport.
§ Councillor D Davies supported the amendment, which focused on Newport being a city of culture, history, and democracy. This was a key issue as part of the Placemaking Plan.
§ Councillor Morris was proud to come from Newport, because of the association with Chartism. Councillor Morris would also like to see the Westgate Hotel become a World Heritage site and added that he hoped that his Council colleagues were all in agreement to preserve the Westgate Hotel, which could make a difference to Newport. Councillor Morris therefore supported both motions.
§ Councillor M Howells saw in the amendment a proposal to include a Placemaking Plan for the city centre, which included a Cultural Strategy. Councillor Howells therefore welcomed the amendment.
§ Councillor Cocks felt that the amendment improved the original motion and therefore supported it as a substantial motion.
§ Councillor Evans recalled that in recent times, the Westgate Hotel was a grade II listed building bustling with life, which hosted dances and weddings and did not want to see it go into a state of further disrepair. Councillor Evans therefore supported the amendment.
§ Councillor Batrouni supported the amendment and mentioned that Councillor Drewett championed the Westgate Hotel and that the Placemaking Plan was a critical key point of the amendment to the motion put down by Councillor Routley.
§ Councillor Routley spoke to the amendment giving his reason why it was put forward. Councillor Routley was glad that the original motion was able to assist in saving the Westgate Hotel and preserve the future.
§ Councillor Hourahine noted that whilst the Westgate Hotel was very important, the Cultural Strategy supported democracy.
§ Councillor Whitehead considered that a heritage centre would be good as a catalyst for revitalising the area and suggested a steering group from all political sides to get involved.
§ Councillor Al-Nuaimi supported the amendment to see the hotel brought to life and become part of the cultural and heritage scene in Newport. The hotel, however, was owned privately and the Council should encourage the owner to participate in the development, otherwise this was an academic debate.
§ Councillor Mudd thanked everyone who contributed, adding that this was important to Members and residents. The majority group embedded in its manifesto its Placemaking Plan, with a solid commitment to stakeholder engagement. Going forward, in 2024, both the strategy and the plan would be under development.
§ Councillor Drewett mentioned that moving the amendment served as a reminder of what the Chartists achieved. Part of the Placemaking Plan was that Newport should be a heritage and civil rights destination and Newport’s heritage could be utilised for tourism, education, and investment purposes. Councillor Drewett asked that colleagues continued this task and celebrate Newport’s ancestors beyond the Westgate Hotel.
§ Councillor Routley withdrew the original motion, with the agreement of its seconder Councillor Mogford, and Councillor Evans accepted and supported the amendment to the motion as the substantive motion.
Resolved:
§ Council supported the amendment to the motion, which therefore became the substantive motion.
§ Council supported the motion.