Friars Walk in the centre of Newport is beginning to take shape, with the steel structure now being seen above the hoardings.

And with the names of high street stores already signed to come to the development including Next, New Look and Debenhams, and more set to be announced as soon as they sign on the dotted line, Business Update asked local business people which outlet they would like to see coming to the city if they could pick any one...

Gerald Davies, executive chairman, Kymin, Newport

I’ve heard some good things about the firms which will be coming to the Friars Walk development. Some are re-locating from other parts of the city, like Next. As they’re among the most successful retailers in the UK, that must be good news. I’m tempted to suggest some up-market names, because what Newport really needs are attractions to bring people into the centre. How about Mulberry or Fenwicks, of Bond Street for the ladies? Or, what about Fortnum and Masons at the top end of the scale. Newport needs to go up-market to regain the reputation it used to have pre-war (so I’m told, I wasn’t there, you understand). The arrival of Admiral in the city centre is already having an effect. You can see the number of their re-located staff walking around Newport at lunchtime, wearing their identity badges. Now we need somewhere for them to spend their money. I can’t wait for the new development to be completed and open for business. Newport really is on the up!

Luke Welsh, head of employment law, Howells Solicitors, Newport

Having been born and raised in Newport and watched the decline of the city centre I am looking forward to the new life Friars Walk will bring. Strong competition from Cardiff, Cwmbran and Bristol as well as the out of town shopping centres but the right mix of shops and restaurants will definitely help the city centre. I would love to see Apple open a store in Newport. It appears that there shops attract lots of customers wherever they are and they have a brand loyalty which would hopefully attract people from across south east Wales.

John Newell, Kingston Newell Estate Agents, Newport

Wouldn’t it be great if we could persuade John Lewis to come to Newport! To encourage more people to come to the city to shop we need to offer more variety. There are enough pound shops or equivalent in the city centre, it would be great to see more shops like Debenhams and Next open stores here. If we bring national chains in, their pull factor together with their own marketing will help attract more shoppers and inevitably this should encourage smaller independent retailers to open up to piggy back on the increased footfall. Personally I’m a fan of Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Cardiff so if he can be persuaded to open a Newport restaurant I will be a frequent diner!

Ross Porter, owner, Clear Sky Recruitment, Blackwood

I would like to see an Apple Store sign up to the development. Other leading brands tend to follow suit when it comes to store mapping and such a well know brand as ‘Apple’ would surely attract others to the development.