Calls issued for Friars Walk in Newport to have a casino
A councillor proposes a casino and leisure venues to revitalize the struggling Friars Walk shopping centre in Newport.Summary
Conservative councillor David Fouweather suggests a casino could help revitalize Friars Walk in Newport, which has experienced recent setbacks with store closures like River Island and M&S Foodhall. He believes diversifying the shopping centre’s usage is crucial, proposing a casino in the former Cineworld complex to attract visitors, noting that nearby cities like Cardiff, Swansea, and Bristol already have casinos. He also suggests filling vacant units with music venues and a nightclub to transform Friars Walk into a leisure destination. The councillor argues Newport’s city centre needs to move beyond relying solely on retail, citing empty spaces in Cineworld and Debenhams as evidence. While acknowledging potential benefits like investment and jobs, the proposal raises concerns about problem gambling. Friars Walk, once a key regeneration project, has faced challenges with tenant departures, leading to a shift towards a 'leisure-led' model focused on entertainment.
(Source：Southwalesargus Co Uk)