A plan has been developed with the community including a public consultation to transform the village to ensure it is more tourism-friendly
Twm Owen, Local Democracy Reporter
15:28, 13 Nov 2025
Magor village square in Monmouthshire, which the council hopes can realise its tourism potential via a new plan(Image: John Myers)
A village in the heart of the Gwent Levels could capitalise on its “untapped” potential, according to a new plan being developed. The regeneration strategy for Magor and neighbouring Undy highlights their location on the Levels – an area of land reclaimed from the sea by the Romans, stretching from Cardiff’s outskirts to Chepstow.
The plan suggests that the village should leverage its location to attract visitors drawn to the protected historic landscape, featuring man-made drainage reens and other attractions. These include a ship discovered buried in mud near the seawall and the remains of the 14th-century Procurator’s House.
Originally built as the residence of the Roman Catholic Church’s legal representative, it is believed to be one of the oldest in Wales and England. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter
This proposal is part of the placemaking plan expected to be adopted by Monmouthshire County Council for Magor and Undy, developed in collaboration with the local community council and including public consultation.
A collaborative placemaking plan set for the village of Magor it is hoped will see it realise its potential as a key visitor hub(Image: John Myers)
Similar placemaking plans are also set to be adopted for Abergavenny and Monmouth. They aim to outline a vision for how local representatives and the community wish to see their town develop, ensuring it meets the needs of all who use the places.
The plans are designed to detail actions needed to realise this vision and address identified challenges across Monmouthshire’s village and town centres. To be eligible for the Welsh Government’s transforming towns funding, councils are required to have such placemaking plans in place for towns and villages.
The proposal for Magor and Undy reads: “The location of Magor with Undy on the Gwent Levels is an untapped product that the village centre needs to maximise in terms of the story of the Levels and a base to explore from.”
It highlights that the Magor boat, the Procurator’s House and Priory at St Mary’s Church and Magor Marsh are amongst the attractions which would benefit from improved visitor information and interpretation, including digital resources.
The proposal will also examine how Magor and Undy connect to neighbouring towns, featuring improved signage for motorists, alongside cycling and walking routes, with the planned Magor walkway rail station set to enhance accessibility.
Proposals highlight the Magor boat, the Procurator’s House and Magor Marsh amongst the attractions which would benefit from improved visitor information(Image: John Myers)
The Abergavenny proposal focuses on making its town centre streets more “people friendly”, including “changing the A40 through the town from a road to a street”, which could enhance its commercial prospects.
The proposal also encompasses the future of the town’s markets, including the indoor market, and how these can be improved.
Monmouth’s proposal similarly centres on its town centre and how it can highlight its heritage whilst improving access to both rivers within the town.
The council has already secured £1.4m from the Welsh Government for smaller scale projects over the next two years, whilst the county has also received £1.5m from the UK Government’s Pride In Place Impact Fund programme.
But it will require additional funding for larger scale projects outlined in the proposals, which will be assessed individually. Project boards, comprising both county and community councillors will be set up and other entities, such as local business groups, could also be invited to join them.
The proposals are anticipated to be adopted by the council’s Labour/Green cabinet in December.
