The developer behind the regeneration of Newport’s Victorian indoor market will be the guest speaker as the City of Newport Business Club holds its first physical event since the Covid pandemic began.
Simon Baston, managing director of Loft Co, will speak at the free event in the Manor Suite at the Celtic Manor Resort on Thursday, October 28.
Newport Market is currently the subject of the biggest refurbishment of its kind in the UK.
When it reopens in February, the market will house more than 100 independent businesses, offering a huge choice in food and drink, retail and lifestyle outlets.
The revamped building will also host more than 70 workspaces and offices of varying sizes – from two-person units to others able to house up to 13 people.
The new-look market building will be open seven days a week and play host to events catering for between 50 and 250 people, including conferences and weddings.
Loft Co expect an annual footfall in excess of 1.5 million – making the ultra-low carbon footprint market one of the most-visited historic buildings in Newport and the surrounding area.
Loft Co specialises in regenerating historic buildings and landmarks into mixed-use facilities. Its previous regeneration projects include Goodsheds in Barry, the Jennings Building in Porthcawl, and Tramshed in Cardiff.
Simon Baston said:
“I’m looking forward to telling the City of Newport Business Club all about our exciting project at the market.
“We are all about creating fantastic spaces where local independent businesses can thrive, and that’s a great message to give to the club and its members.”
City of Newport Business Club chairman Professor Jonathan Deacon said:
“We are delighted to welcome Simon Baston to our first physical event since February 2020.
“It will be fantastic to start networking again and making the most of the opportunities within our city business community.
“We have a calendar of really valuable business events going forward into 2022 – our focus will be on celebrating the vibrancy of our city and what better way to start than to hear from the man behind one of Newport’s biggest regeneration projects?”
The City of Newport Business Club event starts at 5.30pm.
Tickets for this first post-lockdown event, which includes a two-course meal, are free and can be booked via the club’s website – https://www.newportbusinessclub.co.uk/tickets/
Information about how to become a member or sponsor of the City of Newport Business Club are also available on the club’s website.
