PLANS to open a farm store in Newport city centre are moving forward.

Last month, it was revealed that the Castle Farm Shop in Bishton would be expanding into the city, opening a new store inside the Kingsway Shopping Centre.

Ahead of their opening in early October, there was little sign of life inside the retail space, which was last occupied by Rae Barton fruit and veg – a local greengrocers.

However, this week, that has changed.

New fridges and display units have been spotted inside the store for the first time, and workers have been spotted putting the finishing touches on the unit, which can be found at 29 Kingsway.

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A licensing application sign has also been spotted on the shutters of the premises.

The sign, posted under the Licensing Act 2003, shows that the applicant, Sian Rickard of Castle Farm Shop, is looking to sell alcohol at their Kingsway shop.

If approved by Newport City Council, the premises will be able to sell alcohol between Monday and Saturday, from 9am to 6pm.

It is also believed that these are the opening hours for the shop.

Currently, at least two other retailers inside the Kingsway Centre have licences to sell alcohol.

Both Sainsbury’s, which opens out to John Frost Square, and B&M Bargains, which is accessed from the internal walkway, both sell alcoholic beverages.

According to the licence application, anyone who wishes to object must do so by October 19.

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What has been said about the new store?

Confirming news of the new store on their social media, Castle Farm Shop said: “We are over the moon to announce, we are opening another Farm shop.

“Opening in October, you will find us in the Kingsway Centre in Newport.

“When we started this journey, we never expected to have the opportunity to expand so quickly...this is hugely down to our customers and the hard work of our team.

“Thank you for helping us on our journey and we have so much more to give.”

Once open, it will form part of the shopping centre which has seen many changes in recent times.

The neighbouring unit was, until recently, home to clothes retailer Peacocks.

And, while that has since closed, it is in the process of being transformed into a job centre for those impacted by the covid pandemic – an establishment being set up by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).