A Renewed Energy is Transforming Our City Centre

It’s something that many people have spoken and written about, but there’s no doubt that the way we use town and city centres has changed beyond recognition over the past couple of decades.

Thanks to the rise of online shopping (amplified by the pandemic), the convenience of supermarkets that sell everything under one roof, and changes in how we spend our time and money, the high street as many of us knew it growing up has changed entirely.

In Newport, I know residents have felt this shift deeply. I hear from constituents almost daily who are concerned about empty shops and the departure of big-name brands, which, as we all know, doesn’t just apply to Newport. This is something that’s happened in towns and cities across the UK, but that doesn’t make it any less painful. Many people tell me they no longer feel drawn to the city centre due to perceptions and often negative commentary on social media, but I always encourage them to take another look because something really exciting is happening in Newport right now.

We’re seeing a quiet but powerful transformation. Footfall is rising month by month, and Newport is bucking the Welsh and UK-wide trend of footfall decline or very slow growth experienced in most other town and city centres. And the difference isn’t just numbers on paper; you can see it. There are noticeably more people around when you walk through the city centre, not just during big events, but on an ordinary weekday too.

There’s a renewed energy, and it’s catching people’s attention.

That momentum is attracting new investment. Businesses are starting to look at Newport and ask what we are doing differently (and how they can be a part of it).

The answer lies, in part at least, with Newport City Council. Under the leadership of Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, who I speak with and meet with regularly, and his cabinet, the council has made the city centre a priority, building on the work that’s been happening in recent years, tackling crime and homelessness, investing in street cleaning, and working closely with investors and local businesses to rebuild confidence and pride.

Events have played a huge part in this revival too. From the visually stunning Lunar New Year celebrations to the massively successful Newport Music Trail, the Festival of Words, the Food Festival, the Christmas celebrations, the Urban Beach, and the Marathon Festival, there’s a growing sense that something exciting is always just around the corner. These events aren’t just brilliant family fun; they’re bringing thousands of people back into the city from Newport itself and further afield and helping them see the city centre in a new light.

But the real heart of the city centre is the people behind the businesses. More than two-thirds of the businesses here are independent, and that gives Newport something truly special.

Whether you’re browsing in the arcades, grabbing lunch or dinner in the market, or popping into one of the many local shops, from record stores to opticians, jewellers to candle makers, salons and independent cafes and more, you’ll find passion for our city, creativity, and a real sense of community. These aren’t faceless shareholders; they're real people who’ll say it as it is, who love Newport and who want it to succeed.

Undoubtedly, the transformation of Newport Market has been a huge driver in bringing people back into the city centre, and I know it’s a huge attraction for people from outside of Newport, with queues for tables most weekends.

And then there’s Newport’s cultural scene, which is thriving. Over the past six months, the city has been making headlines in the international press for its live music and creative arts scene, and rightly so. There’s something very special happening here, and it’s being driven by local talent, massive pride in Newport and the city’s irrepressible grassroots energy.

All of those small businesses, those real people opening their shops, pubs, venues and stalls each day, deserve the support of the whole city.

None of this happens by accident. The businesses, residents, Newport BID and Newport City Council, Gwent Police and many others play their part in making this happen.

Of course, there’s still more to do. I know, for example, that issues like crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre, despite a reported drop of 25% towards the end of last year, remain a concern for many residents, visitors, and businesses.

I am always appreciative of people sharing their views with me, and I endeavour to share those views in Westminster. That’s why I’ve written to every city centre business to ask them what’s important to them when it comes to running their business right now, and to find out how I can best represent them in Westminster.

Those letters should have already dropped through the doors of businesses in Newport, and the survey is available online on my website at jessicamorden.com.

Like many others, I’m looking forward to seeing this continued evolution of the city centre over the coming months and years. If you haven’t been in for a while, do it! There’s plenty to see and do. If you’re already a regular, tell everyone you know.

It’s time to change the story.