I am delighted that we have so many exciting projects to look forward to in our region.

The £100m Friars Walk development is helping to reverse some wrongly held negative perceptions of Newport, with the commercial director stating that "The most interesting thing is when we have started discussions with potential tenants there has been a negative perception of Newport but when we take people to the site we get almost a 100% conversion rate.”

And rightly so. There is already much more of a feel good factor coming back to the city and bringing people in before the scheme has opened has strengthened this. The developer’s estimates the £100m scheme will provide 1,200 jobs, in addition to those created during the construction phase and hopefully the city can build on this. Around three quarters of the work force on the site come from within a 50 mile radius of Friars Walk. With an eye on the 2020 vision of Newport to enliven and improve the whole city I remain optimistic about its future.

The Circuit of Wales has the ability to produce thousands of employment opportunities, attract greater investment and kick start regeneration into Blaenau Gwent and South Wales. And just two weeks ago the project received a further boost.

The Heads of the Valleys Development Company (HOTVDC) was last month informed by Rebecca Evans AM, Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, that she is ‘minded to grant the S16 application’ subject to HOTVDC completing previously agreed conditions regarding the commoners’ rights.

Once built the circuit would be far more than just about hosting top class motor sport events, but will serve as an all year round circuit for motor enthusiasts with spin-of automotive investment potential, alongside retail and hotel developments.

With flagship events like MotoGP the circuit would attract 750,000 visitors a year, providing a £50m boost to the Welsh economy and creating 6,000 full time jobs – with 3,000 during the construction stage.

There are some big regeneration projects taking place in Newport with Glan Llyn housing and business development site, Station Quarter and work on the £60m Wales International Convention Centre starting next year. It aims to be completed in 2018 and create 150 new jobs.

The 27,000 sq. metre project will build on the Celtic Manor’s existing conferencing facilities, with a new linked venue that that will be capable of housing 3,000 delegates.

We have much to look forward to in ensuring that Newport is a dynamic, 21st century city where people will want to live, work and visit.