However, in 1964, the club moved to playing tennis at the Priory Secondary Girls' School courts and were awaiting planning permission for new headquarters.

[5] The only explanation found for the move was that the fortunes of the club had "reached a low ebb", although as the awaited planning permission was next to Victoria Recreation Ground, it may imply that the pavilion's condition was deteriorating badly.

The land given was a field of Mr Chamberlayne's Priory Estate near to West Mill, which was said to be "very conveniently placed, being within ten minutes' walk of Newport Guildhall."

However, as well as giving the land, Tankerville Chamberlayne also offered help in planting and laying out the site, writing in his letter to the Mayor of Newport on 15 March 1897, "I could send you a cargo of shrubs or young trees if they are wanted".

Control and ownership of the land was vested in the Newport Town Council, with the proviso "I desire to saddle the gift with no restrictions except that it be always a recreation ground for the people".

[10] Within a few months, the Corporation had raised subscriptions amounting to £717 15s 2d towards the recreation ground, £68 1s 6d towards a celebration fund, with £70 17s 8d left to the discretion of the committee.

The Council in return agreed to erect entrance gates and surround the land with suitable fencing and to make a roadway to the ground, A further gift of two acres of land was given by Alderman Mr F T Mew to provide a place for children's amusements of all sorts, adding to the ground's size.

The required Recreation Ground Road was built from West Mill on land purchased from a Mr Spickernell for £60.

[12] The land was leveled and prepared, to enable the proposed cricket pitch and cycle track to be laid and paths and fences were constructed.

However, this still did not include the building of the pavilion and it was advised that an application should be made to the Local Government Board for the sanction to borrow the remaining money needed, to be repaid though the rates over a number of years.

Income was estimated at Members Subscriptions £105, Sale of refreshments £100, Profits from events on Bank Holidays and Coronation Day £160, Lets for cricket and football matches and carnivals £100.

Although, the Mayor thought that the public would vote for the recreation ground, even if a full penny rate per annum were needed.

At the same time, it was agreed that the St Paul's and Newport Band would be given permission to play at the ground every alternate Thursday evening and to collect money for the Nursing Fund.

Because of complaints of unruly conduct at the ground, it was agreed to appoint a Supervision Officer to keep order until at least September at a wage of not exceeding 10 shillings a week.