PLANS for the £60 million regeneration scheme at the former Sainsbury’s site in Newport have been submitted to the council’s planning department.

Stephen and Leon Fear, who jointly control Fear Group, revealed yesterday that they have submitted plans to Newport City Council for the redevelopment of the five and a half acre former Sainsbury’s site, situated on the riverfront.

The proposals, which were welcomed by local residents at a public consultation event in April, include a 601 bedroom student village, an 84 bedroom hotel, a GP surgery, convenience store and 144 residential units – including affordable homes, which would be delivered in partnership with Newport City Homes.

Leon Fear, director of the Fear Group, said:”We have long believed in the future of Newport as a key strategic location and look forward to delivering this important regeneration project to form the next chapter in Newport’s emergence as a regional powerhouse.”

Dr Stephen Fear revealed that the organisation he originally created in 1969, and which has evolved into a multi-faceted international business with it’s roots in property, is also actively looking at other opportunities in the city.

He said: “Fear Group is currently in negotiations to bring a cutting-edge green technology business to Newport, which may create up to 300 jobs.”

The site was home to Sainsbury’s until they sold it in 2010 to a Fear associated company, and moved a mile away to a bigger store.

The site has been derelict for the past five years and plans include the demolition of the vacant 57,000 sq ft store.

There will also be the creation of a boardwalk in to the city centre and the new Friar’s Walk shopping centre, which opens in November.