RESIDENTS in Newport have been invited to have their say on a new improvement plan for the city centre.
Newport City Council will host a series of consultation sessions in the next fortnight to share proposals for a new placemaking plan, which will set out key priorities for changing the city centre for the better.
The man leading the project said he wants residents to feel a sense of “ownership and belonging” with the plans.
The aim of the strategy is to “create public spaces that promote prosperity, health, happiness, and wellbeing”, the city council said.
An online consultation form is also available for people unable to attend the in-person events.
Cllr James Clarke, the cabinet member for regeneration, called the placemaking plan “a great opportunity for everyone in Newport to have their voices heard”.
“We need to know what works for the people of Newport, as well as what isn’t working quite so well,” he explained. “Community engagement is a key part of placemaking. Placing people at the heart of the process results in places that are vibrant, with clear identities, and allows residents to develop a sense of ownership and belonging.”
Cllr Clarke added: “If you have thoughts on how you’d like to see your city develop, please fill in the digital survey or come along to a drop-in discussion session – your feedback will make a huge difference to the community you live in.”
Residents are welcome to attend the following consultation sessions:
- Tuesday July 23, 10am-3pm, Cwtsh, Stow Hill, NP20 4HA.
- Wednesday July 24, 10am-3pm, The Place (Newport City Centre), NP20 4AL.
- Wednesday July 31, 10am-3pm, Maindee Triangle, Maindee, NP18 8EE.
- Saturday August 3, 10am-1pm, Phyllis Maud Performance Space, Pillgwenlly, NP20 2GW.
Meanwhile, Newport Council leader Dimitri Batrouni said he is open to setting up a cross-party “working group” of councillors to help develop the city centre plan.
Speaking at a council meeting on Tuesday, Cllr Batrouni said “let’s see what we can do” to increase councillors’ engagement with the placemaking plan.
He was responding to independent councillor Allan Morris, who said “we are all on the same side when it comes to the city centre”.
The link to the online survey: https://forms.office.com/e/6EgbJPPgxQ
