IN RESPONSE to Alice Rose’s article: ‘Call for ‘unique’ shops to improve the city centre’; South Wales Argus, September 20, 2017.

Kevin Ward, manager of Newport BID, commented: ‘What we have to do is find interesting, new, unique and independent retailers, or other places of interest, to draw people to the city centre’.

I, however, suggest that we should be asking the question: What would attract developers and businesses to Newport’s city centre?

For many decades, large parts of central Newport have resembled the sets from the BBC drama series, Ripper Street (which featured the rough parts of 19th century London’s east-end).

Substantial investment into the central area of Newport is required - something like £1 billion, over the next 25 years.

This would involve the redesign of Newport central area - involving mass demolition, reconstruction of commercial and residential properties. Newport should not resurrect its small, 19th century shops.

If it is to survive into the 21st century, it needs to develop into a vibrant city; with modern venues, for culture and entertainment. By, about, 2035, Newport could have its own tidal lagoon and river Usk barrier-weir.

It should then be able to hold events and pageants on the river Usk - such as featuring medieval ships, Roman ships.

There could be electricity-powered river craft, ferrying the public to and from, say, Newport docks, Cardiff and Bristol; to events in the city centre, Caerleon, and the Celtic Manor Resort (and the Wales conference centre). Some of the visitors may even do some shopping.

Brian Hayes
Clearwell Court
Bassaleg
Newport