Ceri Doyle, Newport City Homes’ CEO, explains why she supports the Argus’ We’re Backing Newport campaign.

A CITY on the rise.

That was the slogan that met me when I first started work in Newport. I believed it then and, two years on, I believe it now. But let’s not rest on our laurels.

In 2014, I was asked to address the Newport Summit, and took the opportunity to challenge those in attendance to redefine the narrative of Newport. The city’s reputation was based on too many preconceived myths. It was seen as stale. Many outsiders felt apathy, or worse pessimism, towards Newport. Forever seen as the poor relation to Cardiff and Bristol. Had they not seen or heard what I had?

In the last couple of years I’ve discovered a wonderfully vibrant city: incredibly diverse and full of passionate, talented people. It’s not all perfect – but where is?

We’re Backing Newport marks a significant moment in the story of the city. This is our opportunity to celebrate the growth of Newport: new housing developments; new infrastructure; new employment; endless opportunities.

We all need to get together to dispel the old stereotypes. Celebrate our homes and communities. Where we work and where we play. This is about putting the new back into Newport.

And the evidence is clear. We have a labour market showing spectacular levels of diversification. Whether it’s blue chip SME start-ups, breweries, eateries, fashion or retail, national companies and entrepreneurs have embraced the opportunities Newport offers.

The credit crunch may have slowed some of the regeneration plans, but the desire that we can succeed is undeniable. The entire city is developing at pace. Years of planning and hard work are really coming to fruition. Now is the time to forget the negativity and maintain momentum.

New buildings seem to be popping up daily, piercing the cityscape with rugged silhouettes. But these are merely physical manifestations. The real change is happening at ground level in our communities. Newport is full of passionate people, committed to Newport. They understand the city’s strengths and challenges and are real about that. But, just like a family, they stick together. Woe betide the outsider who attempts to criticise their Newport.

So, how does Newport City Homes fit into this? We try to offer much more than bricks and mortar. We don’t just house people, we work with communities that want to change Newport for the better. Our recent Road to Rio campaign, with Newport Live and our partners, saw our residents taking control of their health and well-being as well as celebrating the fabulous sports facilities the city has to offer. Who knows? Maybe these are the Olympians of the future.

As well as providing housing to more than 10,000 people, we’re also backing Newport with multi-million pound regeneration projects. Initially in Ringland and Pillgwenlly but our future ambition is city-wide. We are engaging with our residents on a daily basis so we understand their needs for today and tomorrow. We want to lead the way in creating new and re-modelling older communities that support future generations to realise their full potential.

We are privileged to have a responsibility towards the city’s people and communities, to the city’s growth and its future.

We’re backing Newport, because we believe in this great city, and the incredible people who live and work here.

Ceri Doyle, Newport City Homes’ CEO.