A BRISTOL man has taken over from Sir Harry Jones as the chairman of Newport's urban regeneration company.

Chartered surveyor and English rugby fanatic Grant Watson became chairman of Newport Unlimited after joining the board in February.

Mr Watson is reputedly one of the best-connected property men in the South West, being chairman of commercial agent Alder King, South West chairman of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and a board member for Broadmead (shopping) in Bristol.

Newport Unlimited chief executive Graham Moore said: "Grant has been involved in a wide range of property-based activities which are well suited to his new role.

"He brings a wealth of experience and is extremely well-connected." Mr Moore paid tribute to the contribution made by Sir Harry Jones. "It was his drive and energy which put the focus on Newport and launched the urban regeneration company."

Mr Watson said he found the chairmanship "an exciting prospect" and added that he knew everyone was looking for results. "We're not here to form a talking-shop," he said.

He isn't concerned about being an Englishman leading a Welsh company. "I think the English and Welsh economies have become more integrated over the last decade due to all the companies who've started regional divisions covering Wales and the South West.

"My own company has an office in Cardiff and we're actively involved with the Cardiff Gate business park."

The former flank-forward and number 8 for Clifton Rugby Club was a spectator on the last two Lions tours and at the rugby World Cup in Australia.

Not surprisingly, he's looking at sport as a major way of promoting Newport.

"The Ryder Cup 2010 will bring Newport to a worldwide audience and we must use every aspect of the competition to promote the city."

He is optimistic of Newport's chances for regeneration despite its small size relative to other major cities.

"Economic development is spreading to the finger tips of this country - look at how well Devon and Cornwall are doing.

"The same process will happen across South Wales, and Newport will benefit from this process because it has the best strategic location in the Principality."