A PLAN for Newport council to borrow £90 million to get a new shopping and leisure complex built was overwhelmingly backed by the city’s councillors last night.

Some 44 Labour, Tory, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors supported the plan for Friars Walk at last night’s full council meeting at Newport Civic Centre, with Tory David Williams a lone voice against.

Under the plan Newport council would borrow up to £90 million to loan on to developers Queensberry, with the aim of the centre being open before Debenhams’ target dates of Christmas 2015 or Spring 2016.

The Argus understands that councillors have had the chance to speak to officers about the issue ahead of the meeting, with one Labour councillor telling the Argus that their group had “three hours of detailed debate” in one such meeting.

Cllr Bob Bright, leader of Newport council, opened up what was the second part of the full council meeting saying it was overwhelmingly important that Friars Walk is delivered.

He admitted that he himself had concerns, but said: “We are now looking at a renaissance not just for the city centre but I think we are going to drive forward the local economy.”

The only Lib Dem on the council, Cllr Ed Townsend, backed the plan saying he was satisfied risks will be mitigated as much as possible and that it was a matter of “common sense.”

Lab cabinet member for social care and well being Paul Cockeram called for the council to "put the heart and soul" back into the city.

Deputy leader Cllr Ray Truman said: “Now here's the opportunity before us”.

Senior Tory councillors spoke in favour. Cllr David Fouweather said “I’m putting my trust in you Bob”, referring to the Labour leader.

Conservative leader Cllr Matthew Evans said it was the "only realistic deal on the table".

But Cllr David Williams, who was the only councillor to vote against the proposal, said the fact that 40 private lenders couldn’t put together a satisfactory funding package for Friars Walk should be telling members “the market doesn’t believe its sustainable.”

There was vocal support from the Labour backbenches, with Cllr Paul Hannon said Newport either has a retail scheme or a "wasting cavity" in its centre.

Five councillors didn’t attend the meeting.