TWO BILLION pounds is to be spent on improving Newport in the next six years in the city's biggest ever regeneration drive, the city council's cabinet heard yesterday.

The council is keen for Newport firms and people to get maximum benefit from this investment.

Plans include city centre regeneration, the construction of an M4 relief road and renewal of council housing stock.

Money for the projects is coming from council, Assembly and European funds, as well as outside sources including Lottery money.

Council leader Bob Bright said: "This is the biggest spending programme ever seen in the city.

"The scale of the public and private sector capital investment programmes planned for Newport over the next five years represents a regeneration opportunity which may never be repeated."

Now the council is trying to ensure local suppliers will be well placed to compete for work such as the provision of new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems.

It will also work with contractors to encourage use of local labour and help the funding of construction training schemes.

The three main investment programmes of city centre redevelopment, investment in council housing stock and spending on health care in the city alone represent an investment of more than £1bn.

Work is due to start this year to transform Kingsway, Upper Dock Street, John Frost Square and the bus station into a major shopping centre with improved car parking, pedestrian areas, cafes, restaurants, bars, a cinema, health club and residential areas.

But council leaders say they must act quickly to set up management of the regeneration to avoid wasted funds.

Councillor Bright said: "We need a single body to move this project forward with all urgency."