Welcome to Friars Walk
Posted on Wednesday 11th November 2015
On the eve of the opening of the long-awaited Friars Walk, Newport City Council’s Leader Councillor Bob Bright says the new retail and leisure scheme will bring lasting benefits to the city.
Councillor Bright said: “In less than two years, we have seen a demolition site develop into a 21st century shopping centre. It is absolutely remarkable that so much has been done in such a short space of time and it is a tribute to all those who have worked so hard to get to this point.
“The centre is already 85 per cent let – a considerable achievement at opening – and more are expected to sign up in the coming months.
“Queensberry Real Estate has reported that 25 of the 35 shops and six of the restaurants will be ready for business on opening day with more to come over the coming weeks.
“There will undoubtedly be some finishing touches still to be made but the important thing is that Friars Walk is open ahead of Christmas making this a very special festive season for the city.
“Newport has been waiting for a scheme like this for 40 years and we are finally there. I’m sure that people will flock to the city centre for both the big names and the independents, both in Friars Walk and the wider city centre.
“We have much to look forward to in the coming weeks – including the opening of the M&S Food Hall, a very welcome return for this much-loved name to the city centre – and Superbowl next year.
“I would like to thank all those who have made our vision a reality: our development partners Queensberry Real Estate; contractors Bowmer and Kirkland; the businesses that are preparing to welcome shoppers and, of course, the council staff and councillors who have supported the scheme despite the challenges.”