**Newport Faces Criticism as “Worst UK City Centre,” but Community Challenges Narrative**
Newport city centre has come under heavy scrutiny following a recent report naming it the worst in the United Kingdom for empty retail units. This label, assigned by the respected Centre for Cities think tank, has sparked a flurry of debate among traders, business leaders, and local residents who argue that the city’s image has been unfairly tarnished – and that signs of recovery are being overlooked.
The report, which assessed more than 60 of the UK’s largest towns and cities, highlighted Newport’s high proportion of vacant retail spaces, reinforcing a narrative that the high street is in decline. This follows on the heels of a separate BBC investigation, which found that 19 shops in the city centre had closed in just the last nine months, with a significant number of shutdowns linked to illegal trading practices such as the sale of illicit vapes and tobacco products.
Despite this unflattering picture, many local stakeholders insist that focusing solely on empty units misses the broader context of what is happening in Newport. Kevin Ward, who manages Newport Now Business Improvement District (BID), argues that although Newport currently tops the list with empty shops, the situation has been improving steadily over recent years. He points to a drop in vacancy rates from 33% in 2021 to 19% in the most recent tally – a shift he believes is being largely ignored in national media coverage.
Ward further observes that footfall in Newport has risen every year since 2021, in a clear reversal of both Welsh and broader UK trends. “Eighty-one per cent of our retail space is occupied and trading,” he explains, adding that visitor numbers have outstripped pre-pandemic levels year on year. For him, this demonstrates the city’s resilience, even amidst ongoing economic headwinds and a changing retail landscape.
Some traders, however, voice different concerns. Annette Farmer, a business owner in the city centre, highlights the persistent issues with illicit drug and tobacco sales. She claims that such illegal activity is a significant factor driving legitimate businesses out of operation. “It’s not just empty shops; it’s the wider social issues in the area,” Farmer notes. “Would you want your child going into a shop where dangerous substances are available behind the counter?”
Efforts are being made to address both the immediate and underlying challenges. Newport City Council’s placemaking plan proposes a pivot away from a purely retail-focused city centre, instead envisioning a hub anchored by hospitality, culture, and urban living. Council leader Dimitri Batrouni concedes that the city’s commercial heart is simply too large for present levels of demand but is optimistic about ongoing transformational initiatives. “We are determined to modernise Newport’s centre so that it is fit for the 21st century,” Batrouni states, acknowledging the potential barriers posed by absentee landlords and the need for major investment.
Business leaders like Simon Baston, owner of local property group Loft Co, concur that the city must adapt. He sees Newport’s future in experiential offers – leisure, food, independent retail, and a vibrant arts scene. He is encouraged by increased footfall, private investment in historic landmarks such as Newport Market and the Arcade, and a proactive council that is promoting more events and live performances – including new busking spaces to bring energy to the public realm.
There is recognition among all parties that retail alone will not secure Newport’s high street revival. Calls have been made for government agencies and public bodies to headquarter in city centres to boost activity, and for the reform of business rates to ease the pressure on small traders. These ideas, combined with the council’s stated ambitions, hint at a more diversified city centre economy in the years to come.
While the current headlines are undoubtedly stark, many in Newport believe the story is far from over. Supporters argue that positive changes are afoot, even if they are sometimes slow to materialise or overshadowed by negative reporting. Newport, they say, cannot be written off yet – and with continued effort and a willingness to innovate, there is every chance the city centre can reinvent itself for better days ahead.