Economic Investment in Newport

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 2:25 pm on 11 May 2022.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 2:25, 11 May 2022

I've visited a range of the projects that Jayne Bryant has mentioned. Indeed, it was just a few weeks ago that I was with Councillor Mudd and Jayne Bryant in the indoor market, and it's a fantastic new offer—really full and more to come. I indeed look forward to the Member opening her own office as part of that development as well. I think that there are good reasons to be positive about the future for Newport, not just the music scene that we visited and we've supported through the pandemic to survive, but obviously, there is a really positive creative media scene around Newport as well. Of course, one of the stars of Sex Education is going to be the new Doctor Who, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing him become the new doctor.

But more about Newport. I think we have lots of plans. I'm thinking about the money that the Welsh Government is putting in around the transporter bridge and a new visitor centre, I'm thinking about the commitment and the partnership with the council on new hotel developments, and further work to further develop and reinvigorate the city centre. There's a challenge that the council recognises. One of the strengths that I think Newport has is its built environment and lots of the history around that, to give a unique feel to what Newport city centre will look like in the future. I look forward to working with the Member and Newport council to do just that.