Hi Coffee, an up-and-coming Newport coffee chain is about to embark on a new concept with its latest opening, right in the heart of Newport's riverside district.

The new outlet, which is set to open on Friday, is a 650sqft retail unit located on Millennium Plaza in the City Vizion development. It has easy access both to and from the city centre and the University of South Wales City Campus, as well as serving the local residents on its side of the river.

The cafe/bar will also include a selection of wines and beers to complement the menu.

The first Hi Coffee outlet opened three years ago on Platform 4 at Newport Railway Station serving train users.

Although based on the platform, the company was going places and embarked on an expansion programme which enabled them to secure opportunities to open additional units across north and south Wales on a number of mainline stations.

Jonathan Hill, managing director of Hi Coffee, said: “We have been working hard to develop our brand and offering over the past three years and have come on a long way since we began.

"Although it remains a strong intention of ours to continue to roll out our national presence throughout rail and travel sectors in Wales, particularly with our marked expansion into North Wales stations later this year, it has been a strong desire of ours to branch away from the railway line.

"Opening our first full format outlet has been particularly close to my heart. Not only because I'm a proud resident of Newport, but because Newport is where my business started three years ago, on Platform 4.

"Now I am really excited for Hi Coffee to form part of the changing cityscape that Newport has embarked on and to help kickstart Newport's riverside cafe culture and give locals something they really deserve.”

Dan Smith, managing director of Newport-based M4 Property Consultants, negotiated the terms of the lease of the unit on behalf of the landlord with Hi Coffee.

He said: “The unit is in a fantastic location in an area of our city which is undergoing extensive redevelopment. Hi Coffee will benefit from the trade provided by shoppers and employees in the city centre, the students and of course the local residents whose numbers will grow as more of the immediate developments are completed. I have no doubt that Jonathan’s incredible drive and sound business model will make this new outlet the most successful to date and enable him to continue with their expansion plans.”