Queensberry Real Estate (QRE) has completed a £117m city centre development in Newport, it has been announced.

The 390,000 sq ft Friars Walk scheme was designed by Leslie Jones Architecture and is located between the River Usk and Newport's retail sector.

Along with 35 retail units, the development includes an eight-screen cinema, 11 restaurants, a 350 space car park and a new John Frost Square.

A series of new public spaces have also been developed.


With planning permission granted in May 2012, demolition works began in October 2013 and was fully completed in March 2014.

Paul Sargent, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of QRE said: "As well as turning round the retail and leisure offer in Newport, Friars Walk has given a boost to Newport's economy by generating £90 million of direct investment in Newport, while supporting the job market through the preferred use of local supply chains. In addition to the 400 jobs created on sit during construction, around 1,200 jobs have been created in the new shops and restaurants worth £15 million in salaries a year."

Brian Tracey, Director at Leslie Jones Architecture, added: "We took inspiration from the surrounding Welsh landscape and Newport's historic architecture in the designs for Friars Walk, which incorporate slate, timber, steel and glass."

The scheme opened to the public on the 12 November 2015.

(LM/CD)