Newport development named after local entrepreneur
Taylor Wimpey has this week revealed the name for its new development in Newport, Lysaght Village. The developer has named the site, which is being converted into 549 new homes, after the city’s steel mill owners, the Lysaght family.
Born in Ireland in 1832, John Lysaght inherited the Temple Backs factory, a modest ironworks enterprise in Bristol, in 1857. Starting out with just six employees, John Lysaght recognised the increasing demand for sheet iron usage in construction and built the factory into a profitable trade.
John’s eldest son, Frederick Percy Lysaght, took over management of the family business in 1895 and it was thanks to his success that sheet mills were first brought to South East Wales. As demand for galvanised steel increased, Frederick Lysaght chose to build a new ironworks factory on farmland bordering the River Usk in Newport. He chose this site because of its close proximity to plentiful coal supplies and its accessibility via the river and nearby train lines.
Construction started in 1896 and in October 1897 the new factory was named The Orb Works after John Lysaght’s ORB trademark, which he had established in 1857. Some of the buildings constructed using his corrugated iron included the market halls in Swansea and Llanelli and a concert pavilion at Aberystwyth Pier.
Sara Taylor, regional sales and marketing director, commented: “Located in the city where steel works originated in South Wales, our sales team felt that Lysaght Village was a fitting name for Taylor Wimpey’s latest development in Newport.
“Over 3,600 people were employed by the Lysaght family during the Second World War and their steel works heralded the city’s expansion onto the east bank of the River Usk – where our other development, City Vizion, is situated.
“To celebrate the family’s influence in Newport’s success, we wanted to honour the prosperity and historical significance that the city’s steel works brought to this area of South Wales. We are proud to give our new development such a deserving name.”
The first phase of homes at Lysaght Village is anticipated to launch in summer 2010, with building taking place over the next ten years. When completed, the development will comprise a stunning collection of two, three and four bedroom homes suitable for a wide range of purchasers, from first time buyers, downsizers and young professionals to growing families and investors.
For further information on Lysaght Village or the range of homes available from Taylor Wimpey across South Wales, log onto: taylorwimpey.co.uk