Progress is vital

RESPONSE to Professor Johnathan Deacons article: ‘creating a global brand is key to city’s success’ – the Business Argus, 17th November, 2015. 
As the ‘Cardiff Capital Region’ becomes a reality over the next 10 years, say, Newport and its valley neighbours, will need to make sure they get their fair share of investment and development. What the city of Newport desperately needs is redevelopment of its housing and infrastructure – particularly in its older areas, such as Maindee, Pill, Baneswell and Crindau. City centre redevelopment such as the Friars Walk cannot be sustained, unless the rest of the inner city areas become attractive places to live and work. 
Over the last 60 years, the above mentioned areas have become dilapidated and not fit for purpose – at least not for the 21st century. A city with decent, modern, residential and infrastructure areas will attract investment and a quality workforce from other parts of the UK and Wales. Cardiff, like London and other large cities will become too expensive for many folk to live in. Moreover, commuting distances, to the centre of Cardiff, will become less attractive. 
Therefore, to distinguish the city of Newport from the domination of Cardiff, the city needs its own brand/badge. Newport has a distinctive coat-of arms; this could be used as the city’s brand-mark.