Select in Newport ‘closing down’ – according to signs

Select, which specialises in women’s clothing and accessories, has been a mainstay in John Frost Square for a number of years.

However, its time in the city looks to be coming to an end.

In recent days, signs have been placed in the shop windows which read “This store is closing down.

“Please visit your nearest store or shop online at www.selectfashion.co.uk.”

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As part of the store closing, there are also signs advertising that all products are being sold at a discount of 30 per cent.

It is not currently known when the store is set to close for the final time.

However, when it does close, it will be the end of an era for a store which is thought to have occupied the unit since the massive redevelopment of the city centre around John Frost Square and Friars Walk.

Though the Newport store appears set to close, Select will retain a presence in Gwent and the surrounding area.

Currently, there are stores in Cwmbran, Caerphilly, and Chepstow.

Further afield there are stores in Barry, Bridgend, and Tonypandy.

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How did we get here?

The future of Select in its current home in Newport has been in question for a number of weeks.

Though outward facing, it is technically considered part of the Kingsway Shopping Centre.

Last month, Newport City Council gave planning permission to Kingsway Investments LLP – the owners of the Kingsway Shopping Centre to change the use of 6-8 John Frost Square, the home of Select, to a restaurant and takeaway.

As part of these plans, the premises is now able to trade as a 24-hour food outlet.

With Select set to vacate the site, plans can now move forward in terms of finding a new occupant for the space.

It is not known if anyone is currently lined up at this time.

In deciding the planning application, a council planning officer wrote: “It is considered that the use of the property as an A3 use would retain adequate levels of retail frontage in this area and draw customers to an area of the city centre which suffers from higher levels of vacancy.

“Planning Policy Wales encourages a mixture of uses in city centres, which would help to create an attractive and vibrant city centre.

“Although not entirely compliant with policy R3, it is considered that the benefits of the scheme would far outweigh the failings of the proposal against this policy.”