Rosemary Butler has described the news that the empty LG Hynix building is to be used as a major data centre as "fantastic".

The site, near the M4 to the west of Newport, was never used by LG and stayed empty for ten years.

It will now be taken over by Next Generation Data, who aim to employ 100 highly skilled workers, thanks to a £200m investment package.

The site was marketed earlier this year by the Welsh Asembly, and Newport City Council subsequently granted planning permission for it to be used as a data centre.

"This is fantastic news" said Rosmary Butler.

"I've been telling ministers for a long time that this site is one of the best in the UK. It's close to the M4  and will be part of a very important cluster of new Hi- tech industries, all of which will help to boost Newport's economy.

" I'm delighted and relieved that something is now being done here, after seeing it empty for so long."

April 9, 2008