Not impressed

NOW that all the fuss is over, it was time to look around the Friars walk development to see what people have said about it. So the people’s disappointment was confirmed. Only two short arcades with very few shops. However we now have Debenhams at last, that must be a plus. 
The whole development is so small, to spend £100m on a job that’s only part completed is pathetic. The site should have been taken to the river bank, over the existing roads, there should have been an integrated bus station on the upper level with flyovers for buses only, straight out from the town centre. The mess of roads and traffic lights are enough to deter motorists and is torturous for buses (and passengers). 
Many have said this is a white elephant, in fact the existing shops have reported a drop in customers. Newport, now a laughing stock! It is sad that in Newport town centre, you could come back home with almost anything from a screw to a car or bike, there were hardware, grocery, tool, car accessory, outfitters, electrical shops etc (that was over 50 years ago). Apart from the market we have lost all this. 
I hope that more shops will open in Friars walk. However the high cost of these are not going to help, but if we are to have more fashion and diners, then its a risky place to open a shop.