Newport’s city council is facing criticism for failing to actively attract new businesses, particularly in the aftermath of major high-profile brands vacating the city centre, expressed a local councillor. Welsh Liberal Democrat councillor Carmel Townsend voiced her concerns about the lack of positive developments in Newport following the departure of prominent businesses like Debenhams and Cineworld. She highlighted the closure of large commercial sites in central Newport and raised questions about the future of these locations. Additionally, Townsend noted the council’s continued payment of up to £500,000 per year to the owners of Friars Walk to cover any rental income shortfall, emphasizing the need for more proactive efforts to revitalise the area.
Council leader Dimitri Batrouni responded to Townsend’s concerns by stating that regular discussions are held with Friars Walk’s owners, who are actively pursuing new tenants for the shopping centre. While Batrouni acknowledged the interest from potential occupiers, he cited commercial sensitivities as the reason for withholding further details at the moment. Despite the challenges, he remained optimistic about the situation, pointing out a modest increase of 2.6% in footfall in the city centre compared to the previous year. The council clarified that although there have been instances where the full £500,000 subsidy was not required annually, the long-term financial benefits for the council from the Friars Walk agreement are still expected to outweigh the costs.
The ongoing discussions about Newport’s business landscape have sparked a call for more transparency and urgency in driving economic growth in the city centre. Councillor Townsend underscored the importance of tangible progress and welcomed the slight rise in foot traffic, emphasising the need for significant developments to sustain the area’s vitality. At a recent meeting, Cllr Batrouni hinted at forthcoming details regarding Newport’s regeneration plans, assuring that the council is proactively supporting business initiatives and promising detailed strategies to be unveiled in the near future. This promise signals a potential shift towards more visible and impactful initiatives to bolster Newport’s commercial sector.
As the discussions around Newport’s economic landscape continue, there is a growing focus on engaging stakeholders, including business owners, residents, and local authorities, to collaborate on nurturing a dynamic and vibrant city centre. The evolving narrative underscores the significance of fostering a business-friendly environment that not only attracts new enterprises but also nurtures the growth and sustainability of existing businesses. The commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration emerges as a vital component in realising Newport’s potential as a thriving hub for commerce, culture, and community engagement.
Amidst the challenges and uncertainties facing Newport’s city centre, there is a prevailing sense of determination and resilience among stakeholders to navigate the current landscape and chart a course towards a more prosperous future. The spotlight on Newport’s economic rejuvenation underscores the community’s collective vision for a vibrant and inclusive city centre that not only meets the needs of its residents but also attracts visitors and businesses. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, Newport stands poised to reinvent itself as a beacon of economic opportunity and cultural richness in the region.