With regeneration plans put into place to transform Newport’s city centre, SOPHIE BROWNSON, DANIELLE SHERIDAN and DEAN PROSSER asked the people of Newport what they would really like to see happen to regenerate it.

MORE shops, arts and leisure facilities and better car parking were among the ideas traders, business people and others say would boost Newport city centre.

Last week Simon Gibson, chairman of the Welsh Government’s new business development project, said he wouldn’t bet the future of a city centre on a shopping development that might never happen.

But many still hope that the multi-million pound Friars Walk redevelopment, which would include shops, restaurants and a cinema, will see the light of day and bring more people into the troubled shopping district.

The Argus went to traders, business people and others in the city to gauge opinion and find out what they think would improve the city.

Several told the Argus that more arts and culture facilities and attractions were needed in Newport.

Janet Martin, 58, owner of Barnabas Arts House, in New Ruperra Street, Newport, has more than 30 years experience in the city’s art world.

“I am passionate for Newport and it used to be a joy to walk though the city centre,” she said.

“However I believe now that there is very little to go to town for.

“I’ve worked here in the art scene for about 30 years and I know that there are enough cultural lovers in this city to warrant more outlets.

“If we want something proper we should look at the Chapter Arts Centre in Canton, Cardiff, for example.”

She added that she believed Newport could become thriving if it had more independent stores.

Website commenter Jan Preece said the city must look at the greater picture – and suggested the Newport Medieval Ship could be key.

“We have all seen so many failed attempts at regeneration; even the Kingsway Centre remained in part empty for years on end,” he said.

“Why are we not using the ship, in the city centre, as a catalyst for a real regeneration based on the very roots of the true Newport?”

Phil Mansell, of Newport Playgoers at The Dolman Theatre, said: “A modern, vibrant shopping centre like the FriarsWalk project is just one of the elements necessary for the long-term regeneration of Newport.

“The city centre is already in crisis with so many shops lying empty, and this has a knock-on effect for every business here, including a community theatre like the Dolman.

“Not long ago there was much talk about Newport’s regeneration producing a thriving artistic and creative quarter.

“We have yet to see this, but arts and leisure facilities – such as theatre which brings people together – are essential to complement any proposed new retail development.”

Regeneration schemes in Newport may have come too late for Rosemary Morris, 51, of Langstone, whose independent sweet ship Sweetability, in Newport Market, is due to shut.

“The shop is closing in August and the lack of shops is killing the town, as there is no footfall,” she said.

“The lack of free car parking is stopping people from coming in to the city and the Ryder Cup was a complete waste of time.

“So I think a Debenhams would bring people in to the centre.”

Lisa Thomas, 35, landlady of Newport pub Windsor Castle, said she was still hopeful the development would happen.

“Since we have been here the passport office has closed, there was going to be a shop that sold shoes, but that didn’t happen, and they closed the Marks and Spencer’s,” she said.

“I think shops would definitely help, as that would bring people to the town, since all of the shops are closing it is killing the trade, as everything is shutting down.”

Lee Smith, 46, of Newport, owns the Market Bakery, agrees with Ms Thomas, saying the cinemas and restaurants promised by FriarsWalk would be good for the city, helping steer the city towards more family activities.

He said: “The FriarsWalk would be a good idea. We have lost Marks and Spencer’s and so Debenhams would be an anchor to attract others.

The Admiral building would be good as it would bring staff into the city centre.”

Steve Reynolds, 40, of the Toy Army shop in Newport Market, believes the plans for regenerating the city centre may have come too late.

He said: “I would have liked to see the Newport regeneration plan happen 15 or 20 years ago.

“Cardiff and Cwmbran have done the building work that Newport should have done.

“We have fallen so far behind we have to play a catch-up game, the question is whether we can catch up.” Jordan Hillman, 19, of Newport, a shop assistant at Trutex, said: “If you have new shops like a Debenhams it would bring more customers in to the town “There is not a lot to do in Newport and things are closing down.”

Brenda Shyne, of Newport, the buying controller of Wildings department store, suggested that pedestrianisation in the city centre should be scrapped. “I think we should let the traffic flow through the city.

“In this economic environment we want to attract business through new development such as this and I think we should encourage more of a café culture.”

Gino Rabaiotti, marketing director at The Potters, has worked in business in Newport for more than 50 years.

“The business rates are the biggest bug bearer. If they reduced these until the redevelopment was done then it would be a lot easier but we are paying this for nothing,”

he said.

“It would encourage more traders to set up shop.”

Leigh Rosser, 35, and Gavin Edwards, 28, butchers at A D Turner & Son in Newport’s market, said they were worried about the future of Newport, and their jobs.

Mr Rosser said: “The city needs better parking, even if it would just allow people to pull in and get their meat then go.

“Business rates are too high. Lots of shops have closed here. It is the money and the lack of parking.”

Mr Edwards said: “The Sainsbury’s in Wyndham Street has moved and now that building has been left derelict and there is a huge car park there not being used.

“It is an eye-sore for Newport and that could be utilised to bring in trade.”

David Barnes, chairman of The City of Newport Business Club, said FriarsWalk is vital for the future success of Newport as a modern, attractive and exciting new retail hub.

“But that development alone will not revise the fortunes of the city,”

he said.

“For quite some time now in part due to flat lining economy investors have been in the wings biding their time waiting for someone else to make the first move.

“FriarsWalk may very well be seen as this ‘first move’ and act as a very welcome catalyst to others in non retail sectors to also demonstrate their confidence in the future of this great city.

“Newport is the strategic gateway city of South Wales with a catchment area of potential workers numbering some 500,000 within a half-hour drive of the centre.

Transport links are unrivalled and the city is already home to a range of businesses that rely on, and make the most of, cutting edge new technology.

“Bring a new retail heart in the city, more people living in the centre and the availability of hi-tech graduate level high-value wellrewarded employment and Newport will have the winning formula for future success.”

Alan Edwards, 64, of Newport, the president of Newport Chamber of Trade and owner ofMVacara and Co fish and chip shop, is more positive about the plans.

He said: “The FriarsWalk development is going to be wonderful.

The shopping centre is going to be right outside of my shop.

“We can question why we are doing the FriarsWalk development but because we have no shops, some big names back in the city might help to bring back those that we frightened away in 2006 and 2007.”