31, 32, 33 High Street, including 2a & 2-4 Skinner Street

Cadw's description

Location

On corner with Skinner Street.

History

Circa 1900.

Exterior

Development shops with offices above. Free Renaissance style. Pressed red brick and terra cotta. Three storeys plus attics. To L, large 2-storey pedimented attic dormer with Dutch gable and finials, arched window to upper level; two 2-light windows with pediments below this. Second floor has shallow oriel with central niche and relief panelled aprons; four windows at first floor level. To R, chimney has, to each side, 2nd floor window of 2 lights with column between, 1st floor window with pediment. Corner turret rises above roofline for 2 storeys; steep slate roof with lantern, upper level polygonal with doors onto balcony with iron rails corbelled over lower level. To R, in Skinner Street, 2 bays as to L; then similar bay, but with dormer above, enclosing arched window; to R again, narrow bay. Then three bays (2-4 Skinner Street) in simpler style, end bay with gable. On ground floor, No 33 (Principality) has shopfront with polished granite articulation; modern shopfronts to others.

Reason for designation

Well-preserved and well detailed commercial block on Newport's main street. Group value with Nos 27-30 High Street, and Nos 1-8 Commercial Street.