We’re only one month into the new year, but already there’s much excitement surrounding the city of Newport and its future.
At the end of January, the Welsh Government announced that Newport would receive just under £15m, the largest tranche of funding to be awarded under the Vibrant and Viable Places framework.
This was great news as it means the city can press on with its physical regeneration programme. Among other projects, this will help to bring key buildings back into economic use, creating much-needed homes above shops in the city centre.
While Newport Unlimited, the city's urban regeneration company, is coming to an end, with this continued commitment from the Welsh Government, I am confident that Newport's radical transformation programme can continue.
Meanwhile, just two weeks ago, key representatives from the public and private sector came together at the inaugural Newport Summit to discuss the city’s future.
From the lively updates on Twitter, you could gain a real sense of the positivity and enthusiasm from those who attended as to what could be achieved. It is hoped that this will be the first of many such summits, where we will be able to harness this energy from those who care passionately about the city's future, to bring about real change.
The other big news event for the city is the NATO Summit that will be taking place this autumn.
The summit will bring economic benefits to Newport and, indeed, across the whole of south Wales, as thousands of delegates and journalists descend on our city for a few crucial days in September. With the Ryder Cup feather sitting proudly in our cap, we know we have the experience to pull off global events, and I know that all of those involved will do Newport proud.
As you walk around the city centre today, you can see the cranes and diggers hard at work at transforming the old Capitol car park site into the impressive Friars Walk, making it ready to be the new home for Debenhams, Cineworld, Next and Top Shop, as well as many others stores, cafes and restaurants. The city really is changing before our eyes – and for the better.
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