SEVERAL developers have already shown an interest in a shopping centre scheme for Newport in the wake of the doomed Friars Walk project.
Modus Corovest (Newport) Ltd's failure to deliver the £200 million transformation of a large section of the centre was a devastating blow.
But immediately after the announcement was made last month, potential anchor store Debenhams said the city remained an attractive market for the company and it would be interested in any future proposals.
Now council leader Matthew Evans has revealed that several informal approaches have been made by developers showing an interest in the city centre development.
But he was adamant that when the project was re-tendered the authority would not accept anything other than a major development.
"That's what the centre of Newport requires and our residents deserve. A few new shops in John Frost Square is simply not enough."
However, he added, it was not intended to ignore the city centre while waiting for developers to come along.
"We are conscious of the immediate issues that need addressing and will be doing all we can to attract more shoppers, improving the environment and promoting the city centre and setting up a fund to tackle vacant shops."
Cllr Evans said the interest being shown was an encouraging sign and vindicated the decision to draw a line under the original Friars Walk project, and end the uncertainty hanging over it and the city centre.
"With so much already achieved the Newport offer is a strong one for developers looking for major schemes and as the economy begins to show some signs of stability we are confident that the interest in Newport will continue to grow."
£100,000 set for shops spruce up
The council is due to allocate £100,000 for grants to businesses for property improvements and bringing vacant shops in the city centre, with priority given to Lower Commercial Street, Charles Street, Cardiff Road, Market and Newport Arcades and Clarence Place.
It also intends to set aside £50,000 for manufacturing businesses finding difficulty securing finance for expansion in the current economic climate.
