THE Friars Walk development is going on at such a pace in Newport that it seems to look different every day.

Here we bring our latest pictures but also news of some other new businesses big and small, moving into the city as the development acts as a catalyst for the wider area.

FAST food chain Burger King has applied for planning permission to convert the former Halifax bank in Newport city centre into a restaurant.

The application is to convert the vacant listed building at 25-26 Commercial Street on the corner of Austin Friars.

It has been registered with Newport City Council and is awaiting a decision by council officers.

Planning agent David Gill, of Planning and Urban Design Consultancy, said the proposed development “will bring a vacant listed building on an important corner location within the primary shopping area of the city centre near a major access into the new Friars Walk into beneficial use.

“It will bring new vibrancy and vitality to the building compared to its lawful use as a bank and helps improve overall viability within Commercial Street,” he added.

Burger King says it plans to create “significant new employment opportunities” with the new restaurant.

The property is currently vacant.

Apart from a short three-month period in 2012/2013 when it was used as a shop, the city centre premises have been used for banking since 1947.

The proposed Burger King advertisements to be put up comprise of red plastic illuminated letters reading ‘Burger King’ on the existing stone fascia on both sides of the restaurant facing Commercial Street and Austin Friars.

An internally illuminated circular logo sign is also proposed over the corner entranceway. Internally, the only structural change to the building would be to install a hoist to transfer goods from the basement to the ground floor.

The other internal works comprise the complete fitting out of kitchen facilities and new toilets plus fixed seating and tables for 54 covers with circulation and queuing space.

Mr Gill added that the proposal “clearly accords with the adopted Newport Local Development Plan as well as national planning policy guidance and technical advice”.