While a recent think tank report unfortunately labeled Newport as the UK city with the highest number of vacant retail units, a deeper dive reveals a narrative of surprising resilience and proactive urban renewal. This alarming statistic, which places London, Cambridge, and Oxford at the opposite end of the spectrum, paradoxically precedes a significant upturn in the city’s economic vitality and community engagement, suggesting a nuanced story beyond the initial headlines.
The designation came in the wake of troubling revelations, including the closure of 19 city centre shops due to illegal activities such as the sale of prohibited vapes and tobacco. This ongoing struggle with illicit trade further exacerbated the challenge of maintaining a vibrant high street, contributing to the perception of decline and reinforcing the unfortunate ranking in studies by entities like the Centre for Cities, which has consistently highlighted Newport’s vacancy rates over the years.
Despite the persistent challenge of having the most empty units among 63 examined towns and cities, Newport has witnessed a tangible improvement in its occupancy rates and overall footfall since the last report in 2021. This progress is a testament to dedicated local efforts, shifting the focus from the negative “19% empty” to a more positive “81% occupied and trading” reality, a narrative often overlooked by broader media portrayals.
Footfall in Newport city centre has consistently increased year-on-year since 2021, surpassing pre-pandemic levels of 2019. This positive trend notably bucks both Welsh and UK-wide patterns, indicating a unique success story driven by local initiatives and a growing appeal of the city center as a destination, rather than merely a shopping hub.
At the heart of this revitalization is Newport City Council’s ambitious placemaking strategy. This forward-thinking plan aims to transform the city centre into a dynamic hub centered on rich experiences, diverse hospitality, and vibrant energy. A key component of this strategy involves actively attracting more residents to live within Newport, thereby fostering a stronger local economy and community identity beyond just retail consumption.
Private investment plays a crucial role, with success stories like the Newport Market, where only one unit remains available for rent. Operators like Loft Co are demonstrating how a robust hospitality and leisure offering is essential for the future of urban centres. This vision recognizes that traditional retail dominance is waning, advocating for cities to become “destination and experience” hubs, complemented by niche and independent businesses.
The city’s leadership and local businesses are working collaboratively to promote Newport, evidenced by an increase in events and the impending completion of a state-of-the-art leisure facility. While challenges persist, there is a strong “can-do” attitude and independent spirit, fostering a growing sense of community and pride among Newportonians, making the city an increasingly attractive place to reside.
Council leader Dimitri Batrouni acknowledges the need to reduce the sheer number of retail units, as the current centre is “too big for present-day demand.” He emphasizes the significant investment required to address the issue of privately owned properties, often held by absent landlords, but reaffirms the council’s determination to transform the city centre into a vibrant 21st-century urban space, with further ambitious plans on the horizon.
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