Newport City Council’s Economic Development Manager Rob Frowen was guest speaker at the City of Newport Business Club on Tuesday 17 March 2015 at the Holiday Inn, Newport. Following on from his visit two years ago, Rob updated the guests with the latest developments taking place in the centre of Newport.
After explaining how the council had split the city centre into six regeneration areas, Rob used a slide show to give those present an insight into the ‘before and after’ improvements that have occurred in each area since his last visit.
The Friars Walk retail development, which is now on track to open on the 12 November 2015 and include shops, restaurants and a cinema, took pride of place among the achievements, but Rob also went on to explain that due to a successful £15m grant bid under the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places regeneration programme, Newport City Council has been able to transform key properties in the city centre, converting them into new homes and space for business start-ups.
Rob then told the audience about the latest transport link developments, set to further improve Newport’s connectivity, which include the opening of railway stations in Caerleon and Llanwern and access to Newport from the newly opened station at Pye Corner, all of which are scheduled to come on stream in 2018.
In answer to a question from the floor – ‘What are the top three things Newport has to offer?’, Rob responded with Heritage – Newport has a rich history and some fabulous buildings, Friars Walk – Newport will soon have a modern and well-designed shopping centre rivalling the best in the country and Connectivity – Newport is conveniently placed for access to road and rail networks, connecting it to the rest of the UK and beyond.
Janine Dance, Chairman of the City of Newport Business Club said “We would like to thank Rob for updating us on the plans he outlined to us two years ago which have now come to fruition and for giving us an insight in to the next exciting phase of developments. The presentation was upbeat and informative and left all those who attended in no doubt that Newport is a City on the rise!”
The next City of Newport Business Club event will take place on Tuesday 21 st April 2015 where the speaker will be renowned Sports Psychologist, Andy McCann.