REVISED plans to redevelop Newport’s Cambrian Centre reveal proposals for a seven-storey office block, shops and a hotel.

The long-awaited plans from Scarborough Development Group come after two previous bids to transform the tired centre were scrapped because of the recession and fears they were no longer viable.

If granted the new plan would see the construction of a high-rise office block near Queensway and Railway Street, alterations to the existing car park and partial demolition and refurbishment of a shop unit.

The council says the proposed development would have a positive impact on the local economy and employment levels, bringing an additional 1,200 jobs to the city centre.

Plans submitted to the council, ahead of a full planning application expected in the coming months, show 340 car parking spaces could be provided.

Around 288 of these will be for the new office block, which is eventually expected to house insurance firm Admiral who are currently at Langstone Business Park.

The existing shops on Cambrian Road would be retained and further shop space totalling 7,500 sq ft could also be built as well as a walkway connecting Queensway and Cambrian Road.

More shops and office space are planned for phase two of the scheme, which could also include a hotel.

A report to Newport’s planning department said the project would regenerate and revitalise the Cambrian Centre, which had fallen into decline in recent years.

Scarborough Development Group dropped proposals to demolish the centre and build a large food store, two shops, offices, a bus interchange and more than 500 parking spaces, last year, after it struggled to attract the interest of a supermarket chain.

This was the second blow to redevelopment plans for the site.

In 2008 Modus Properties scrapped its 29-storey City Spires project after it went into administration.


EDITORIAL COMMENT: Plan for the future

WHILE it is all very much doom and gloom at the moment, as we point out above, we should perhaps not be too despondent as it’s good to see plans being pushed forward for Newport’s Cambrian Centre.

A company wants to redevelop the area with a seven-storey office block and new hotel.

Just a couple of weeks ago we told how Admiral Insurance was moving to the centre.

And while the Kings Hotel closed its doors, it’s interesting to see that there is still faith in the city centre, with the plans for a new hotel and more shops and office space.

It would be very easy to sit back and do nothing while the economy is in crisis.

But we believe planning for the future is key, and if all the developments we have recently seen submitted for the city centre go ahead now, they place the city in a key position for when growth does eventually start.