DESIGN guru Wayne Hemmingway has warned Newport has got only one chance to get its regeneration right.

The founder of fashion label Red or Dead, who now works in urban design among other projects, told an audience of South Wales businessmen and women that the regeneration of Newport’s riverfront needed variety of design to succeed. He was speaking at an M4 Business Network event at the new City Centre Campus of the University of Wales, Newport.

When asked by a member of the audience if he would come and help Newport’s regeneration, he said he was willing to work with anyone, anywhere.

Head of regeneration for Newport council, Andy Evans, was also in the audience and he offered to meet Mr Hemmingway, which the audience welcomed with a huge round of applause.

The event was organised by M4 Network sponsor Still design agency to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The Cardiffbased agency was originally set up in Newport by two graduates from the city’s art college.

Mr Hemmingway spoke about he started out on a market stall, about setting up the Red or Dead label, and about his work in urban design, creating places and spaces which can help turn around an urban location.

Mr Evans said: “Newport City Council would certainly welcome an input from this leading figure in the design world on future regeneration proposals and we exchanged contact details.

“I know his ideas have had a positive impact on developments in other parts of the country and look forward to a potentially rewarding relationship between the council and Mr Hemingway.”