A NEW multi-million pound retail centre could spell the end for Newport's Commercial Street as a shopping destination, the boss of the city's Wildings Department Store says.
Peter James, managing director of family firm Wildings Ltd, which own the store, are applying for planning permission to change the building to a financial centre, such as a bank, in case big name stores such as Marks and Spencers are tempted away from the area.
Mr James says his store, based in Newport since 1874, is doing well and the company has no plans to close it.
But he says they decided to apply for planning permission to change the store from Class A1, shop, to class A2, financial and professional services, as an "insurance policy".
More in tonight's Argus.
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