Bumper footfall for Dec in Newport city centre!
The number of people visiting Newport city centre rose significantly in December, with recorded footfall of more than 1.3 million.
The December footfall recorded 1,359,430 counts – up 29.12 percent on November and puts Newport ahead of similar sized towns and cities.
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The busiest weekday was Friday 21 December, with 72,728 counts, while Saturdays were the busiest days on average - on Saturday 22 December there were 93,843 counts.
The Springboard counter measures the number of ‘movements’ past a set location and is recognised as the most accurate way of measuring footfall in shopping areas.
It was installed in early 2007 so year-on-year figures are not yet available. |
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During 2008 the city centre will undergo its biggest transformation for generations when work on the Friars Walk and City Spires developments starts and work continues on the Kingsway Centre developments.
Around half a billion pounds is being invested in these schemes which will transform the city’s retail offer with major new stores including Debenhams and Marks and Spencers all set to open in 2010.
A major new car park, new bus station and new boulevarded Kingsway and Queensway, new fountains, and plaza will all improve the environment in the city centre.
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Council leader Bob Bright said:
”It is pleasing to see that the footfall in the city centre is remaining high and more than competitive with similar sized towns and cities.
“As some of the key city centre developments begin this year there will be some disruption which we hope to keep to a minimum as our long term vision for a modern, vibrant city centre starts becoming a reality.”
“The works that we are carrying out in the city centre will increase not just the retail offer, but also the leisure opportunities with more restaurants, a new cinema and hotels and more city centre accommodation.
“It seems that nationally and internationally there is currently economic uncertainty and supermarkets and the internet are putting a great deal of pressure particularly on smaller city centre retailers. It is pleasing to see so many people in Newport and the surrounding area supporting their High Street shops and I would urge them to continue to do so.”
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