Two big retailers set for shopping scheme

10:18pm Thursday 13th September 2007

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By Jane Helmich »

CHANGES are being proposed to a multi-million shopping scheme because it will now contain two major retailers.

Debenhams are already officially lined up for the £200 million Friars Walk in Newport city centre.

It is believed Marks and Spencer, presently in Commercial Street, will move into the second large anchor store but a spokeswoman for the company refused to comment on "rumour and speculation".

Permission for the Modus Corovest development was given in February but the city council's planning committee will decide on "reserved matters" next week.

These relate to design, external appearance and landscaping.

An officers' report explains it is an amended scheme mainly because of the additional anchor store.

This will require the amalgamation of units at the northern end of the site and development over part of the proposed new bus station.

A basement car park will be increased from 160 spaces to 295 to cater for the shoppers visiting the second anchor store.

Other changes include an extra three residential units to take the total to 243.

Further information will be given to the committee about concerns raised by Newport Access Group who represent disabled people.

At the same meeting next Monday, councillors will also consider a separate application relating to the hotel being built as part of the development.

It is being proposed to amend part of the building's design and increase the number of rooms from 118 to 96.

Friars Walk will have restaurants and a cinema as well as shops, apartments and 1,400 space car park.

One controversial aspect of the scheme is the threat to the Chartist mural in the tunnel, due to be demolished, between John Frost Square and Upper Dock Street.

Modus Corovest cannot begin development until it a programme for the provision of public art is approved.