Councillors will apply for an £8m grant to try and secure the future of Newport’s iconic Transporter Bridge.
The city’s council plan to bid for Heritage Lottery funding to complete their list of improvements, maintenance, and repairs.
The Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge have given their backing to the plans.
The money would be spent carrying out repairs as well as improving the gondola, which dates back to 1906.
It would also help create a bigger and better visitor centre which will include improved facilities at the site.
The bridge is one of only five remaining operational transporter bridges worldwide.
The most recent work, which took place in 2010, was to replace traveller rails and a comprehensive repainting job.
A report on the Heritage Lottery Fund bid says if the Transporter Bridge is to thrive as a visitor attraction investment is also required in interpretation and visitor facilities.
If the bid is successful the council will then take it forward.
Residents would then be able to get involved and be asked to help raise funds for the works.
The council say community connection and engagement is important for funding bids which attract third sector support.
Council cabinet member Debbie Harvey said the Heritage Lottery bid was the first step in securing the future of Newport Transporter Bridge.
“We have agreed to apply for this funding to help us improve the visitor experience around the Transporter Bridge and are hoping to involve the local community in helping us secure funds so the bridge will be here for future generations to enjoy.
We have this iconic structure on our doorstep and many of us take it for granted but we need to get on with this programme of regeneration and expansion.
“We have had talks with the Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge who are keen to back us in our bid.”
The bridge attracts more than 20,000 visitors a year and is open this year from March 29 until October 1.