To coin a phrase this is not just any food store taking space in the Friars Walk development in Newport this is a Marks and Spencer food store…

I think we can all be forgiven for getting a little over excited at the prospect of M&S coming back into Newport after quitting the centre more than three years ago for pastures new at Spytty.

Sure the new space in Newport city centre will be a food store and not the full blown all singing all dancing department store that they used to have in the centre but it is a quality step in the right direction and who knows there are rumours that they may also have a café.

Added to the fact that that you will be able to click and collect at their new Friars Walk location and we also have a clothes store in all but name - well almost.

Now in itself the proposed M&S store doesn’t make or break the new development but the fact that the global brand has returned to the city centre is a huge vote of confidence in the scheme.

Add this to other key signings such as Pandora, JD Sports, Debenhams, Next and the raft of restaurants on their way makes the planned November opening a very tasty prospect indeed.

The £14.35m sale of the former Megabowl site and surrounding property at Spytty is another shot in the arm for the city bringing with it £4m of investment and potentially five new operators on the cards. The deal shows that London investors are once more coming back to Newport. Watch this space for news of two new restaurants, a bowling alley operator and a new retailer for the site.

It’s also very refreshing news to hear that Newport’s Tiny Rebel Brewery has been crowned champion beer of Britain which helps keep Newport in the minds of the rest of the UK and will certainly help us celebrate the very good fortune that is being heaped on the city these days. We hope to see the brewery re-open a bar in the city centre soon. Fingers crossed.

In other property sectors there appears to be a continuing and healthy demand for office space in the city centre with enquiries at very good level. Perhaps if a confident property speculator could be encouraged to plough some money into the centre and develop some good stock that would give us an added boost.

Dr Stephen Fear was exciting when he explained his plans for the former Sainsbury’s site at Crindau with a five star hotel and top rate accommodation for university students, a mobility scooter park not to mention his plans for the flying car. Not so sure about the flying car concept, but lets hope the development gets off the ground. Should we build an airport instead?

It’s all happening in Newport!

Up the ‘Port.