Newport's new shopping centre will open in November. CIARAN KELLY takes a look at what impact it will have on the city and beyond.

THIS time next year, Friars Walk Shopping centre will have become a regular fixture in the daily lives of thousands of Newport residents.

Spanning 390,000 sq ft, the development is set to breathe new life into the city when it officially opens at 10am on November 12.

Reflecting just how momentous a development this is during tough economic times, Friars Walk is set to be one of only three shopping centres forecast to open in the UK in 2015.

By then, 1,200 piles will have been cast, totalling more than 9,000 linear metres; 30,000 tonnes of soil will have been removed from the site; and 5,800 tonnes of steel will have been erected.

The result? Thirty-four shop units, 11 family restaurants, an eight-screen Cineworld cinema, and 350 car park spaces to bring a new dimension to the city.

The scheme is currently 65 per cent let with tenants already confirmed including Debenhams, Next, H&M, Cineworld, Nandos, and Frankie and Benny’s.

With positive reaction from many local traders and politicians, it is clear that this development is one of the most significant to have happened in Newport for many years.

Indeed, Newport City Council estimates the scheme will provide more than 1,200 jobs with around £15m in salaries going into the local economy annually.

Dr Kath Ringwald, an economist and senior lecturer at the University of South Wales, said that Friars Walk will have benefits for Newport that go far beyond the local economy.

She said: “Friars Walk will change the face of Newport, a city that has lost so many anchor stores like Marks and Spencers.

“I remember a Newport that was once a very confident place in the mid-’90s, with inward investment and flagship companies. As things got more difficult economically, that optimism and vibe was lost.

“Now, many people will have a reason to go to Newport for the first time in many years

She added: “This will prove a very important development for getting that confidence back and bringing new jobs into the city.

“Being next door to places like Monmouthshire and Abergavenny, with different economic patterns, this may also bring those people back into the area.

“The economic and social benefits are intangible as of yet, but this will definitely give the people of Newport something to be proud of again.”

With some nine months to go before it opens, the countdown to Friars Walk’s grand opening drew a range of opinions from people in Newport when the Argus asked them for their views.

Natalie Bubb, 21, from Newport, said: “It’s going to bring a lot more people to Newport, as everyone tends to go to Cardiff.

“Normally, I go over Spytty way and if there was more in the city, I would come here more.”

Lawrence Green, 63, who has been living in Malpas for 10 years, said: “I’m excited to see what’s happening.

“There are so many empty shops in Newport. Whether this will be a good thing for that, I don’t know. Time will tell.”

Jan Parsons, 63, from Newport, urged caution: “It’s soul destroying to see so many empty shops. I don’t think a huge Debenhams will make a huge difference.

“I feel for the market, too, which is one of the town’s real traditions.”

Ellis Stanley, 21, a student at USW, said: “I finish university in a couple of months and it will do some good for the city.

“It’s lacking a lot here and this could help.”

Adam Ajay, 21, from Newport, disagreed: “It’s way too late – you just need to look around to see that the city is dead.

“Once the buzz is gone, it will just drop down again.”

Rahy Begun, 18, a student from Newport, said: “It’s going to be amazing. I can’t wait to shop in it.

“But, the high street will get quieter and that side will get busier so it might be a worry for local businesses.”

Nick Smith, 19, a student from Scotland, said: “It’s not very vibrant here and you make what you can.

“If it’s effective as an economic centre, in drawing in the cash, then it could be good for the city.”

Andrew Nichols, 47, a market stall holder from Newport, said: “Anything that gives people more choice will be a good thing. We need a couple more upmarket stores.

“The only way is up for Newport now”

Susan Norris, a sales assistant from Newport, disagreed: “It’s too late. There are beautiful buildings here struggling and then they go and build something out of Legoland.”

Ben Powell, 15, a student from Newport, said: “I’m excited about the big brands coming to Newport. There are not a lot of them elsewhere in the city.”

Sue Smith, 70, from Chepstow, said: “It desperately needs the shopping centre, as it’s felt like a grey shopping area.

“I feel extremely sorry for shopkeepers as it’s a dreadful situation at the moment.”

Maria Delaney, 55, from Newport, warned: “I’m not very impressed. The high street, with all the beautiful buildings, looks an absolute tip. They should have done that first, I think.”

Karen Seivwright, 50, from Newport, who works with Admiral, said: “We need something, as all the shops have closed down.

“Nothing’s bringing people into the town centre. Everyone goes to Cwmbran and we need the free parking to make it a real attraction.”

Tony Whitehead, 53, a lorry driver from Newport, urged caution: “What’s happening to the main street? They should have brought back some of the shops along the high street.

“I don’t think that side will benefit at all. Parking will have to be free.”

Adam Barlow, 31, an administrative assistant from Newport, said: “It’s going to be good for Newport. It needs the extra shops as the town centre is dying.

“The other part of town needs a lot of attention: it could bring those people there, too, or mean they only shop in the one area.”

Kate Jackson, 29, a doctor from Cardiff, said: “I think it will be a really great thing for Newport.

“I’ve noticed a change here over the past four years – there used to be loads of shops. They’ve all closed down recently. Hopefully, this will bring them back.”

Elder Palu, 21, a missionary originally from Tonga and now living in Newport, said: “I think it will be awesome. It’s really nice for young people to spend time there, rather than on the streets.”

Gareth Matthews, 54, a production assistant from Newport, said: “It will bring jobs, but I don’t know whether it will sustain it in the long-term.

“If they get the rail link to Newport from the Valleys, that could make all the difference.”