Originally a mechanics' institute, set up to provide further education for workers and tradesmen, it was based in Newport's Town Hall on Commercial Street.

Working men and women were able to attend a variety of lectures for two shillings per quarter to study subjects including "The Pursuit of Attainment and Knowledge" and "Popular Superstition".

The plans proved to be highly controversial, with Cardiff Metropolitan opposing any merger, citing the lack of a business case, concerns that the new institution would simply be too big to manage properly, and the 'predatory' attitude of Glamorgan.

[13] Stephen Hagen, appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor by the Newport Board from 1 June 2012 to lead the merger upon the sudden resignation of Peter Noyes,[11] circulated a proposal for the new university to focus on entrepreneurialism,[14] generating start-ups, equipping students with entrepreneurial skills[15] and supporting the industries of South Wales,[16] a concept which was initially well received by the Minister's Office.

[21] Cardiff Metropolitan still demanded more evidence before committing to further talks and, in November 2012, Leighton Andrews withdrew a consultation on plans to force a merger.

[23] The campus is situated on the western side of the River Usk in the city centre and it was the first phase of an intended £50m development for the university.

Alongside this sabbatical team, full-time and part-time staff were employed to assist in the operation of the union and part-time officers, team captains, society presidents and student managers who all worked alongside their studies to assist the union.