As Newport grapples with an alarming number of empty retail units, city leaders and business owners are calling for urgent changes to combat illegal activities and revitalize the area.
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Newport, recently dubbed the UK’s worst city for vacant shops, is in a tough spot. Earlier this month, a report from the Centre for Cities revealed that Newport has the highest number of empty retail units across the country. This alarming finding coincided with BBC research indicating that 19 shops in the city center have closed their doors in just the past nine months, largely due to illegal activities, such as selling banned vapes and tobacco products.
Is Newport’s retail landscape really in decline?
Local traders are raising their voices as the city center starts to resemble a ghost town. With shop closures on the rise, some business leaders believe it’s time for Newport to rethink its retail strategy if it wants to thrive amidst the challenges facing high streets throughout the UK.
Kevin Ward, manager of Newport Now BID (Business Improvement District), expressed his frustration over how the media portrays Newport’s plight. “Despite still having the highest number of empty retail units, we are seeing improvements in occupancy rates and footfall compared to previous years,” he pointed out.
Ward noted a significant shift: four years ago, a staggering 33% of retail units were vacant in Newport, but that number has dropped to 19%. Yet he criticized the media for focusing on the negative aspect of vacant shops instead of celebrating the fact that 81% of the units are currently occupied and operational. “Newport suffers from an oversupply of retail space, which is a big part of the vacancy crisis,” he explained. Isn’t it time we started recognizing the positives, too?
Plans for revitalization: Can Newport bounce back?
The Newport City Council is taking steps to breathe new life into the city center with a placemaking plan designed to transform the area into a lively hub focused on experiences and hospitality, rather than just retail. The goal? Encourage residents to live in Newport, not just shop there. “We need a radical approach,” Ward emphasized, acknowledging that the current retail landscape just isn’t sustainable. “There’s too much retail space in our city center; we will never fill it all,” he asserted, advocating for innovative proposals in the recent placemaking plan.
Meanwhile, the Labour council is enhancing Newport’s appeal by tapping into its vibrant music scene, installing multiple busk stops to encourage street performances. Loft Co, a key player in the market, is feeling optimistic about Newport’s direction. Owner Simon Baston remarked, “City centers like Newport are undergoing a seismic change in how people live, work, and play. We need to position ourselves as a destination, not just a shopping hub.” Isn’t that an exciting vision for the future?
Illegal activities: Are they making matters worse?
However, Newport’s challenges extend beyond just vacant shops; illegal sales of tobacco, vapes, and drugs are widespread, causing alarm among residents and business owners alike. Trader Annette Farmer voiced her concerns, stating, “You can even buy cocaine, spice, and weed in the shops. This is a significant issue; it could explain why shops are closing down.” She’s calling for more stringent measures to curb illegal activities that threaten the community.
Council leader Dimitri Batrouni acknowledged that the number of retail units needs to be reduced, asserting that the current volume far exceeds demand. He pointed out that many properties in the city center are privately owned and often neglected by landlords, complicating efforts to revitalize the area. “We are determined to reshape our city center to meet the demands of the 21st century,” Batrouni affirmed. Can Newport find a way to adapt and thrive?
The situation in Newport is a stark reminder of the hurdles urban centers across the UK are facing. With ongoing revitalization efforts and a commitment to tackling illegal activities, the city’s future really hinges on the collective actions of its leaders, business owners, and the community. Will they rise to the challenge?
