AGAINST a backdrop of closing businesses, trader apathy and shopper uncertainty, initial proposals for the Friars Walk shopping complex were labelled as a solution to the city’s myriad of problems.

From plans being scrapped in 2009 to a lengthy construction process, many were convinced that the £100m centre would never open.

 Today, the team behind the centre are celebrating a successful first year, with an estimated 10.5million visitors flocking to its shops, restaurants, cinema and bowling alley.

 Since opening, the centre has transformed Newport, attracting national retailers, restaurateurs and employers to the city and creating over 1,500 jobs –  an estimated £20 million a year in salaries for the local economy.

 Connecting a previously disjointed part of the city between the River Usk and the existing retail core on Commercial Street, the centre has also served as a key events space to bring the public together.

 Despite housing some of the high streets most recognisable chains, the complex has also opened its arms to Newport’s entrepreneurs and fostering an eclectic indie sector.

 Managing director of Beechwood Bed Centre, Paul Gray, was the first independent trader to sign up to Friars Walk with The Candle Company, opening doors for business on November 12, 2016.

 “I think Friars Walk has been transformational for Newport and the impact will be felt for many decades to come for the city centre,” he said.

 “The consensus was that Newport City Centre was pretty much dead before Friars Walk and I think that all the naysayers who were against it will be proved wrong.”

 Scott Jeffries, of family-owned jewellery store C.L Jeffries, was formerly based on Skinner Street in Newport before making the move to Friars Walk.

 Despite plans to leave Newport in 2012 due to waves of shops shutting down, the business – which has been trading for 26 years – has found Friars Walk “better than expected”.

 “I think it’s the first step in moving the city centre forward as before Friars Walk there were very few shops, restaurants or even a cinema.

 “Customers do feel much better coming to town now that Friars Walk is here and it is much safer with the security.”

 “There’s already a community there and it’s great to see everyone backing Newport,” he added.

 Trader Kelly Miles, of the Juice Bar, on Upper Dock Street, opened in June this year and also believes the centre has a “real positive effect” on businesses trading in Newport.

 “We have definitely benefited from being so close to Friars Walk and it’s the reason we chose this location to trade in the first place,” she said.

 “There are also regeneration works going on in Commercial Street now and Newport is looking a lot better. I think a big part of that is because of Friars Walk.”

In our appeal to Argus readers, the response towards Friars Walk was mixed, with readers criticising parking charges and car park access alongside appeals for more retail variety.

 However, other readers added the development has upgraded Newport from a visual perspective while strongly appealing to families during the day, evening and weekends.

 To commemorate the Friars Walks first birthday, tributes have poured in from local politicians including Newport East AM John Griffiths.

 “It’s great to see the shops busy and people enjoying the cinema, restaurants and, of course, the interactive musical wall,” he said.

 “I will be working closely with Newport City Council and Welsh Government to continue the partnership which has seen city centre buildings renovated for residential and other new uses.”

 Newport East MP, Jessica Morden, said: “It’s no exaggeration to say that Friars Walk has breathed new life into the city centre.

“Over the last year it’s been a pleasure to see such a mixture of people – including families and shoppers young and old –  enjoying the new cinema, restaurants and shopping complex."

 Newport West MP, Paul Flynn, added the development has “exceeded all of our highest hopes” and given a “fresh, bright, colourful lively hub to the centre of Newport.

 “The city's proud history is proclaimed in the marvellous poem of Gillian Clarke in the car park and the six points on the Charter are on the Chartists' steps,” he said.

 “Success breeds success. Newport has bucked the trend of retail decline and Friars Walk will generate its own momentum of continuing prosperity.”

 There are 50 stores in Friars Walk and the Kingsway, which has also seen a massive increase in footfall in the past year, along with 12 restaurants and other leisure offerings.

 Outdoor equipment and clothing store Tog 24 will be the latest business to join the Friars Walk on  November 19 and several new signings will be announced in the New Year.

 In June this year, the firm behind the development – Queensbury Real Estate – confirmed that discussions to sell the development are continuing with several interested parties.

 Centre director for Friars Walk for owners Queensbury, Simon Pullen, described Newport as an “important city (and) the gateway to Wales”.

 He said: “Over the last year, we have been overwhelmed by the tremendous levels of local support we have enjoyed in Newport and the wider area.

 “With an average 200,000 customers visiting us on a weekly basis, estimates show Friar’s Walk has been able to double retail sales in Newport, bringing an estimated £120m per annum to the local economy.

 “This weekend is our opportunity to celebrate, but also say thank you to all of those who have continued to support us and make this possible.

 “We look forward to seeing this success continue over the Christmas shopping season and into 2017.”

 Leader of Newport City Council, Cllr Debbie Wilcox, added she was “delighted” that the council played such an “important part in getting the development off the ground”.

 After negotiations with Queensbury Real Estate, Newport City Council previously agreed to provide a £90m loan to get the project up and running.

 "We now have a city centre focal point we can be proud of and one that caters for many needs, whether that is shopping, leisure or work,” she said.

 “It was the catalyst we needed to build on the regeneration of the city centre, attracting exciting new and returning businesses who are contributing to our local economy (and) bringing significant benefits for many years to come.”

 To celebrate Friars Walk’s anniversary today, a jam-packed events programme will take place including special guest Union J along with Heart FM breakfast presenters Jagger and Woody.

 Bjorn the bear, comic capers courtesy of festive grannies on scooters and mischievous elves will appear on the day and youngsters can get involved with creative crafts and art installations.

 Newport Gwent Dragons will show their support at the centre with sports activities and a '12 days to Christmas trail’ event will offer a special gift for winners.

 The celebrations will also coincide with the switching on of Friars Walk and Newport’s Christmas lights at 5pm, followed by a fireworks display at 5.15pm.