Reviving Newport’s Legacy: Transforming Reclaimed Glass into Sustainable Innovation.

Commission

3 Jun

Tyra Oseng-Rees with the old glass in her studio

We are thrilled to finally share this exciting news—creating meaningful links between old and new through sustainable design!

Glass salvaged from the former Newport Centre is set to become a key feature in the city’s new leisure and wellbeing facility. Thanks to sustainable and innovative decisions at Newport Council, this waste glass will now be transformed into striking architectural details, ensuring its legacy lives on in a new, modern space.

In total, around 100 square meters of glass have been salvaged from the old leisure centre. Some of the material has already been collected and is now undergoing research and development in the studio. We are currently exploring colour, pattern, and texture possibilities to determine the best ways to integrate the material into the new centre’s design. Potential applications include backlit reception desks, privacy screens, and decorative wall cladding—each piece carefully crafted to preserve both heritage and sustainability. At Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd, we continue to push the boundaries of recycled materials in architectural and interior installations.

Councillor Emma Corten, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for culture and communications, praised the project:

"Using materials from the old leisure centre is fantastic for so many reasons. It helps reduce waste while providing a tangible link between the past and the future. Many people have fond memories of the former centre, and now that history will be embedded in the new facility in a meaningful way."

Construction on the new centre began earlier this year, with public opening planned for next year. The facility will feature a modern leisure pool, complete with a lazy river, slides, and play equipment, alongside a dedicated teaching pool for children’s swimming lessons and exercise sessions. Additional amenities include changing facilities, a café, a fitness suite, and flexible event spaces for community activities, group sessions, and celebrations.

Remarkably, the new centre is expected to be among the UK’s first net zero leisure facilities, powered entirely by renewable electricity. With over 55% of the costs covered by external funding, including support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme and the UK Government, this project showcases how sustainable urban renewal can shape vibrant, forward-thinking communities.