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South Wales Argus
26-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Calls to revamp Newport city centre as shops boarded up
Research by Centre for Cities found that Newport has a retail vacancy rate of 19 per cent, more than double London's 8.5 per cent. The study also found that nearly 5 per cent of high street expenditure escapes Newport and is spent in neighbouring Cardiff. This is due to low local spending power, an abundance of retail space, and retail spending leakage to bigger cities. Natasha Asghar has called for a major city revamp (Image: Office of Natasha Asghar) Natasha Asghar, South Wales East Member of the Senedd, has called for an urgent revamp of Newport city centre. She said: "Newport has a lot to be proud of and is a fantastic city, but it is clear more needs to be done to revamp the city centre and increase footfall. "Businesses in Wales are operating under extremely challenging conditions having to contend with the highest business rates in Great Britain and the hike in National Insurance contributions. "It is imperative that the Labour Welsh Government and Labour-controlled city council put their heads together and come up with a meaningful strategy to fully regenerate Newport and unleash our city's potential." One of the prime examples is the Wildings centre, which has remained shut since 2018. Wildings has been boarded up in Newport city centre for years (Image: NQ) The Centre for Cities report recognises a significant drop in the number of empty units since the last report in 2022 but highlights an issue that distorts the true picture, according to Newport Council. The statistics are significantly impacted by the oversupply of retail properties in the city centre. Newport has the largest amount of retail space per head than any of the other 62 centres featured in the report. This means that while the number of occupied premises is similar to some other places, including high-performing retail centres such as Milton Keynes, this is masked by the oversupply of commercial units. Newport Council leader Dimitri Batrouni says the council are determined to transform the city centre (Image: NQ) Newport Council leader, Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, said: "We absolutely agree that the number of retail units in the city centre needs to be reduced as the centre is too big for present-day demand. "The challenge is that city centre properties are mainly privately owned, sometimes by absent and neglectful landlords, and it will require significant investment to achieve a reduction. "However, we are determined to transform our city centre to be fit for the 21st century." The report also highlights the increasing footfall figures. In the first quarter of this year, it was 10 per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2019, before the pandemic and the sharp rise in online shopping. John Griffiths MS has said Newport needs more tools to improve the city centre experience (Image: NQ) John Griffiths, Member of the Senedd for Newport East, said: "High streets across Wales and the rest of the UK are all going through challenging periods and Newport is no different. "But I am pleased Welsh Government is backing our town and city centres – through schemes such as the Transforming Towns fund. "There is always more to do – and I would like to see some changes around compulsory purchase orders, so councils such as Newport have more tools to improve the overall city centre experience." The Welsh Government announced a consultation on plans to change business rates in Wales in May, giving smaller shops a lower rate, with the consultation running until August. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "We co-funded the recently approved Newport City Centre Placemaking Plan through our Transforming Towns Programme. "This sets out a strategic vision to transform Newport's city centre into a vibrant and thriving destination. "We know our towns and city centres bring people together, sustain local economies, and underpin communities' sense of pride, heritage and belonging. "That is why we have protected budgets for our Transforming Towns Programme, with £40 million available for 2025-26. "This funding will help breathe new life into these spaces and develop our town centres as locations for a range of services, beyond retail." Jayne Bryant MS has welcomed recent investment into Newport, including the refurbishment of Newport Market (Image: NQ) Senedd Member for Newport West, Jayne Bryant MS said: "Newport, like any other high street across the country, is navigating a challenging and transformative period. 'As the Member of the Senedd for Newport West, I welcome investment in the city centre, including the refurbishment of Newport Market, the redevelopment of Market Arcade, and the new Leisure & Wellbeing Centre that's under way.' 'It takes time, bold decisions, and sustained investment to deliver lasting regeneration. We are firmly on that path, the impact on Newport is already visible in rising footfall, thriving independents, and a continued sense of pride in our city.' The Centre for Cities calls for £5 billion in public investment to remodel struggling city centres. The report recommends that the government treats city centres as critical parts of the national economy and allocate £5 billion of its recently announced £113 billion investment to remake city centres with more office space, improved public realm, and fewer shops. It also suggests that cities increase the size of the catchment of their city centres through building more homes in inner-city locations, as opposed to more developments on the edge of town. The report also advises that cities should be realistic about visitor strategies and should prioritise making city centres attractive to residents first, as visitor appeal will follow.
ITV News
17-06-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Sir Sadiq Khan to pedestrianise Oxford Street ‘as quickly as possible'
Plans to ban traffic from part of Oxford Street will be implemented 'as quickly as possible' as they are supported by 'the vast majority of Londoners', mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said. Two-thirds (66%) of respondents to a consultation support the pedestrianisation plan, Sir Sadiq's office said. A separate YouGov survey conducted in September 2024 indicated 63% of Londoners are in favour of the project. Oxford Street is one of the world's busiest shopping areas, with around half a million visitors each day. Sir Sadiq Khan wants to ban vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road. Detailed proposals for traffic will be consulted on later this year. A previous attempt by Sir Sadiq to pedestrianise that part of Oxford Street was blocked by then-Conservative run Westminster City Council in 2018. His latest proposals depend on him obtaining permission from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers. The aim is for this to be created by the start of next year. Sir Sadiq said: 'Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation's high street a new lease of life. 'It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible. 'We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. 'This will help to attract more international visitors and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.' Ms Rayner said: 'We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that's why we welcome the Mayor of London's bold proposals to achieve that. 'We will support the mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital.' Adam Hug, leader of Labour-controlled Westminster City Council, said: 'While the mayor's formal decision today was not the City Council's preferred outcome, it is far from unexpected, and it is now important for Oxford Street's future to move forward together. 'Since the mayor's new approach was made public last autumn, Westminster has worked pragmatically and productively with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to ensure that the plan for Oxford Street more closely meets the needs of businesses, visitors, and residents. 'Since 2022, Oxford Street has roared back to life after the pandemic. Such is the level of retail confidence that existing brands have spent £118 million refitting their stores in the last 12 months alone, according to Savills. 'Westminster City Council will work constructively with the mayor's team to ensure the nation's high street is re-imagined in a way that works for visitors, shoppers, and our residents.'
Glasgow Times
17-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Sir Sadiq Khan to pedestrianise Oxford Street ‘as quickly as possible'
Two-thirds (66%) of respondents to a consultation support the pedestrianisation plan, Sir Sadiq's office said. A separate YouGov survey conducted in September 2024 indicated 63% of Londoners are in favour of the project. Oxford Street is one of the world's busiest shopping areas, with around half a million visitors each day. Sir Sadiq Khan wants to ban vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road. Detailed proposals for traffic will be consulted on later this year. A previous attempt by Sir Sadiq to pedestrianise that part of Oxford Street was blocked by then-Conservative run Westminster City Council in 2018. His latest proposals depend on him obtaining permission from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers. The aim is for this to be created by the start of next year. Sir Sadiq said: 'Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation's high street a new lease of life. 'It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible. 'We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. 'This will help to attract more international visitors and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.' Ms Rayner said: 'We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that's why we welcome the Mayor of London's bold proposals to achieve that. 'We will support the mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital.' Adam Hug, leader of Labour-controlled Westminster City Council, said: 'While the mayor's formal decision today was not the City Council's preferred outcome, it is far from unexpected, and it is now important for Oxford Street's future to move forward together. 'Since the mayor's new approach was made public last autumn, Westminster has worked pragmatically and productively with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to ensure that the plan for Oxford Street more closely meets the needs of businesses, visitors, and residents. 'Since 2022, Oxford Street has roared back to life after the pandemic. Such is the level of retail confidence that existing brands have spent £118 million refitting their stores in the last 12 months alone, according to Savills. 'Westminster City Council will work constructively with the mayor's team to ensure the nation's high street is re-imagined in a way that works for visitors, shoppers, and our residents.'
Rhyl Journal
17-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Sir Sadiq Khan to pedestrianise Oxford Street ‘as quickly as possible'
Two-thirds (66%) of respondents to a consultation support the pedestrianisation plan, Sir Sadiq's office said. A separate YouGov survey conducted in September 2024 indicated 63% of Londoners are in favour of the project. Oxford Street is one of the world's busiest shopping areas, with around half a million visitors each day. Sir Sadiq Khan wants to ban vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road. Detailed proposals for traffic will be consulted on later this year. A previous attempt by Sir Sadiq to pedestrianise that part of Oxford Street was blocked by then-Conservative run Westminster City Council in 2018. His latest proposals depend on him obtaining permission from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers. The aim is for this to be created by the start of next year. Sir Sadiq said: 'Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation's high street a new lease of life. 'It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible. 'We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. 'This will help to attract more international visitors and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.' Ms Rayner said: 'We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that's why we welcome the Mayor of London's bold proposals to achieve that. 'We will support the mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital.' Adam Hug, leader of Labour-controlled Westminster City Council, said: 'While the mayor's formal decision today was not the City Council's preferred outcome, it is far from unexpected, and it is now important for Oxford Street's future to move forward together. 'Since the mayor's new approach was made public last autumn, Westminster has worked pragmatically and productively with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to ensure that the plan for Oxford Street more closely meets the needs of businesses, visitors, and residents. 'Since 2022, Oxford Street has roared back to life after the pandemic. Such is the level of retail confidence that existing brands have spent £118 million refitting their stores in the last 12 months alone, according to Savills. 'Westminster City Council will work constructively with the mayor's team to ensure the nation's high street is re-imagined in a way that works for visitors, shoppers, and our residents.'
North Wales Chronicle
17-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Sir Sadiq Khan to pedestrianise Oxford Street ‘as quickly as possible'
Two-thirds (66%) of respondents to a consultation support the pedestrianisation plan, Sir Sadiq's office said. A separate YouGov survey conducted in September 2024 indicated 63% of Londoners are in favour of the project. Oxford Street is one of the world's busiest shopping areas, with around half a million visitors each day. Sir Sadiq Khan wants to ban vehicles from a 0.7-mile stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road. Detailed proposals for traffic will be consulted on later this year. A previous attempt by Sir Sadiq to pedestrianise that part of Oxford Street was blocked by then-Conservative run Westminster City Council in 2018. His latest proposals depend on him obtaining permission from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers. The aim is for this to be created by the start of next year. Sir Sadiq said: 'Oxford Street has suffered over many years, so urgent action is needed to give our nation's high street a new lease of life. 'It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible. 'We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. 'This will help to attract more international visitors and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.' Ms Rayner said: 'We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that's why we welcome the Mayor of London's bold proposals to achieve that. 'We will support the mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital.' Adam Hug, leader of Labour-controlled Westminster City Council, said: 'While the mayor's formal decision today was not the City Council's preferred outcome, it is far from unexpected, and it is now important for Oxford Street's future to move forward together. 'Since the mayor's new approach was made public last autumn, Westminster has worked pragmatically and productively with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to ensure that the plan for Oxford Street more closely meets the needs of businesses, visitors, and residents. 'Since 2022, Oxford Street has roared back to life after the pandemic. Such is the level of retail confidence that existing brands have spent £118 million refitting their stores in the last 12 months alone, according to Savills. 'Westminster City Council will work constructively with the mayor's team to ensure the nation's high street is re-imagined in a way that works for visitors, shoppers, and our residents.'
