Monday, June 13, 2011

After having a franchise operation in place for the café and bar in The Riverfront for the last six years, The Riverfront has now taken over and is being officially re-launched on 23 June 2011.

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Friday, May 27, 2011

LONG-AWAITED plans to revamp Newport city centre took a major step forward yesterday after a preferred bidder for the multi-million pound retail scheme was named.

Queensberry, a company linked to a developer with several shopping centre schemes under its belt, will take on the redevelopment of John Frost Square after being chosen from a shortlist following a tendering process.

The firm is responsible for managing the assets of Multi Corporation in the UK and past projects include the award-winning schemes of SouthGate Bath shopping centre and Victoria Square shopping centre in Belfast.

Negotiations will now start between Newport council and Queensberry to finalise a development agreement, which is expected to be completed this autumn.

Potential developers for the scheme, which include a cinema, restaurants and shops linking Commercial Street to the riverfront had to express an interest by December last year but one was not expected to be named until July.

As the council was keen to develop the scheme, the preferred bidder was named earlier than expected.

Leader of the council, Matthew Evans, said he looked forward to a "fruitful partnership" with Queensberry.

He said: "While there are still legal and other processes that have to be followed, I believe this is a major milestone in the road to finally bringing the retail scheme Newport needs and deserves to the city.

Deputy leader and cabinet member for redevelopment and economic regeneration, Ed Townsend, added: "I am optimistic the council has found a partner that can make the vision of a revitalised city centre a reality."

Managing director of Queensberry, Paul Sargent, said the firm was very happy about being chosen and was keen to get started as soon as possible.

He said: "We are still facing a challenging market and will have obstacles to overcome but we are confident that with the right approach we can bring about a retail scheme that will have the necessary regenerative effect in Newport in the very near future."

In 2009, the vision of a £200 million new shopping centre evaporated when developer Modus Corovest revealed it could not see the Friars Walk project through but cabinet members subsequently decided to gain control of the area so it would be ready for another developer.

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Friday, April 15, 2011

Newport Indoor Market are offering an opportunity to take part in occasional trading within the established gallery area.
 
Do you have any items to sell? If so they want to hear from you!

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

There might be a credit-crunch, but it seems people in Newport and the surrounding areas still feel it’s important to get that well earned buzz that a trip to the Theatre gives you.

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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Newport City Council is set to spring clean the city after today launching its new streetscene service – an innovative and fresh approach to maintaining and improving the city’s physical environment.

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