The Lysaght Institute in Newport is facing an unclear future after confirmation that events will cease being held there from the end of 2026.

Residents have reacted strongly to the announcement, taking to social media to post recollections of the venue and push for its preservation.

The Lliswerry-based institute, notable for its heritage, design and community activities, requires a fresh owner or manager to maintain its role as an events space.

Some locals have called for the community to intervene directly.

Anthony Fitzgerald appealed to locals to unite and take action, proposing that the community establish a community interest company to manage the venue.

David Smith supported the idea, agreeing with the proposal.

Other commenters discussed the building’s past and its significance to Newport over time.

The institute is particularly recognised for its sprung dance floor, which has accommodated dancing, celebrations and community gatherings for decades.

Beryl Turner emphasised the venue’s distinctive qualities, noting it features one of the few remaining sprung dance floors and stands as one of the few attractive buildings still standing.

Some pointed out that the venue remains in active use currently.

Janet Watkins described attending a line dancing session at the institute on a Wednesday night, and feeling moved by the building while waiting outside afterward.

She expressed concern about the closure, stating she did not want to see this happen.

Ms Watkins continued that the venue holds enormous potential for future activities.

She characterised the institute as an extraordinary and unique location.

Numerous people also recounted stories of family members connected to the site and its manufacturing heritage, reinforcing arguments for protecting the building.

Not all responses centred on nostalgia.

Some questioned how the situation had developed, with one person labelling it a failure of management for an enterprise that ought to be successful.

Others floated potential alternative purposes for the building should a community operator prove unattainable.

On Facebook, Stacey Ann proposed converting the Lysaght Institute into a Wetherspoons establishment, suggesting this would be preferable to nothing following the closure of other pubs in the Lliswerry district.

Another commentator offered a more negative outlook, anticipating residential apartment conversion.

Lliswerry councillors have committed to campaigning for the institute to remain under community control, highlighting its value to the neighbourhood and its lengthy presence in Newport.

Codi Group, the current operator, has indicated its desire to identify a successor capable of running the building in a manner that serves the local community.

All events scheduled through the rest of 2026 should proceed as originally planned, while the on-site nursery will remain operational.

As initiatives get underway to preserve the institute, residents have made apparent their determination to prevent another historic Newport building from disappearing.