For a number of years, regeneration projects – both large and smaller scale – have changed the face of city of Newport for the better.

Earlier this century, significant work was done by urban regeneration company Newport Unlimited, a partnership between Welsh Government and the council.

Now that we are operating against a background of continuing and deep budget cuts, we have had to be innovative in our approach by working closely with partners in the public and private sector.

There has been a huge investment in the city centre by the council, Welsh Government, the private and third sectors in recent years.

We share a common aim – to make it a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

Alongside the Friars Walk retail and leisure scheme, the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places Programme has helped to revitalise many landmark buildings including the former King’s Hotel and National Buildings as well as individual shops and businesses.

Some people might have thought the city’s renaissance climaxed with the completion of Friars Walk but our aspirations do not end there.

Recently it was announced that a high-tech semiconductor plant will create thousands of new jobs in Newport and Cardiff University’s prestigious National Software Academy is proving so successful it requires larger premises and is due to move into the Information Station.

As well as being good news for the local economy, it all contributes to our wider ambition for Newport to become a digital hub.

Major housing projects have contributed to record numbers of much-needed new dwellings being built to meet an increasing demand.

These have included affordable homes to enable people to step onto the property ladder and an excellent example can be found in the Pobl Group’s Loftus Garden Village.

Many of us will remember the dereliction of Old Town Dock which is now transformed by attractive new homes.

Newport City Homes recently announced that exciting plans to build on one of the remaining undeveloped sites along the River Usk and I look forward to their plans becoming a reality.

There is still more to be done and I want the council to play a leading role in continually improving and enhancing our city with the help of other organisations and our residents.

Very soon, we will be seeking people’s views on the future development of the city centre.

We want Newport to be the best it can be for the benefit for all those who live and work here.