PLANS to diversify part of the former Wilko store, in Newport’s Kingsway Centre, could bring “additional flexibility” to the unused site.
The centre’s new owner has won planning permission to change the use of the former retail unit, opening it up for a range of uses – from food and drink to leisure and education facilities.
Newport City Council planners have been supportive of the proposals, describing the “currently vacant” site as “highly sustainable”.
They said the proposed development “seeks additional flexibility to the use of the site”, which would “contribute to the vitality and viability of the centre by expanding the offering from solely retail”.
They also said the expanded range of uses for the former store would “allow for business opportunities within the centre” and “assist in encouraging development or re-use of the site”, including an opportunity for community uses to be provided.
Reviving the former Wilko space presents “a significant opportunity to infuse the centre with renewed vitality and purpose”, planning agents Sustainable Studio Architects said, in a planning statement on behalf of the centre’s new owner, Boyce Group Ltd.
The firm’s “non-restrictive” proposals have already attracted interest from other businesses, the agents said, adding that the project could be a “catalyst for positive change”.
Stow Hill ward councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi also offered support for the project, during a recent consultation period, telling the council he would “welcome the proposal”.
No members of the public offered any objections to the plans, which council planners judged “would not adversely impact residential amenity of local residents”.
Separately, the Kingsway’s owner is also seeking planning permission to convert Sovereign House – the office block above the shopping centre – into student accommodation for up to 112 people.
Commenting on that application, Sustainable Studio Architects Ltd said that project “offers a proficient opportunity for Newport city centre”, by creating a “rich mix of uses” in the area which “seems to align well with the city’s development goals”.
