A NEWPORT development chief has called for a re-evaluation of business rates in the city centre before shops are driven away from the area.

Alan Edwards, who is chairman of the city’s Newport Now Business Improvement District (BID), claims the current charges in Commercial Street and High Street are outdated and “prohibitive”, leading to vacant premises.

The businessman, who owns Vacara’s Fish & Chips shop in Llanarth Street, says the streets should no longer be considered as the key city centre shopping locations due to the arrival of Friars Walk last year – and rates should reflect that.

He has challenged the Valuation Office to urgently reassess the properties, and then pass that information to the Welsh Government so new percentage rates can be set.

Mr Edwards said: “Friars Walk is good for the city and should be full by Easter time. It means the neighbouring Kingsway Centre has become more attractive, and hopefully as a knock-on effect, more businesses will want to move here and will take up premises in High Street and Commercial Street.

“However, we have a problem in that rates in these two streets are currently prohibitive.

“Some stores have moved from there to Friars Walk but it is difficult to fill the vacant premises.

“The values set by the Valuation Office are based on Commercial Street and High Street being the busiest shopping area but that is no longer the case.

“Rates need to be looked at now or we will end up with more and more empty shops in this area.”

Newport Now is a business-led and business-funded body, formed to improve the city centre commercial area.

The non-profit organisation is primarily financed by local businesses paying a levy of 1.25 per cent of the rateable value of their property.

It features three working groups – Safe and Secure Newport, Welcome to Newport, and Future Newport.

Mr Edwards added: “Everyone needs to look at Newport city centre differently now. It has changed, in terms of footfall and focal points, and we need to address that.”

A spokesman for the Valuation Office Agency encouraged Newport business owners to contact the body on an individual basis.

He explained: “Ratepayers are entitled to challenge their rateable values if they believe circumstances affecting their property change, such as the opening of Friars Walk. If a ratepayer thinks their assessment is wrong due to this change, we would encourage them to contact us with details of their property and we will discuss the case with them.“If we cannot reach an agreement then the appeal will go to the independent Valuation Tribunal.”