The Kingsway Centre is proud to be celebrating its first 6 month period under new ownership. The progress made by the new owner, Niall Leighton-Boyce and the new management team during this time is nothing short of remarkable.
The Kingsway Centre has welcomed more than 11 new businesses in the first six months, further enriching the diverse mix of retailers and services available to customers. From cakes at Delicious Delights to the latest in phone technology at The Techuarium, and everything in between, there is
something for everyone at the Kingsway Centre.
“It has been an exciting 6 months and the centre is really taking shape. I still have lots of ideas to implement and new tenants to sign up. The student accommodation scheme is underway. The design for the area that was The In-Shops and Wilkos is taking shape.” says owner, Niall.
“Footfall is increasing week on week and Newport Radio is sure to generate more customers with their Saturday Live Lounge from the middle of the shopping centre.” he adds “I’m personally, extremely excited for The Underground to open and have already booked it for the Boyce Group christmas party. The space is ideal for an immersive paintballing arena and will bring a fresh demographic to the centre. We have job opportunities for general centre operatives, construction workers and accounts positions.”
Delicious Delights was the first of the new businesses to enter the Kingsway Centre under the new ownership in February, owner Claire Taylor states “We were so excited to be the first new shop that opened under Kingsway’s new ownership.It was definitely the best decision to become part of the Kingsway Family. We have been made so welcome by the new owner, his staff and all of the existing shops here. We have the best customers which make our working day feel like we’re not actually working at all.”
““It’s really encouraging to see so many new businesses opening and to see more and more people coming to the Centre” said Mike Colcombe of Secrets of Cymru, who opened their doors in the Kingsway Centre in March. These sentiments were echoed by the team at Warren James, one of the longest standing businesses at the Kingsway Centre, the store has been there for 19 years. Manager Danielle states “The atmosphere in the centre is completely different now, there’s a real buzz. It’s great to see so many businesses opening, we’ve seen a real increase in our footfall. It has breathed new life into the Centre.”
“The progress in such a short period of time is astonishing” states Josh of The Dispensary “The proactive approach from the new Kingsway team has had a real impact and brought a new energy to the Centre. Even the small details, like adding benches and the introduction of the art wall. These have brought warmth to the Kingsway and as a result we’re seeing more and more people coming into the Centre and it’s having a positive impact on trade.”
The new tenants at the Kingsway Centre include Delicious Delights, Secrets of Cymru, Glorious George, Lucky Leaf Bath Bombs, Cosy Living, Kingsway Barbers, Step In Style, Newport City Radio, The Underground Combat Zone, MF Productions and Brothers Fruit & Veg, as well as a host of pop up stalls selling a variety of products such as home made candles, melts and fragrances.
In May the Kingsway Centre introduced a new scheme with local schools, where, each month, a new school will display artwork from their students within the Centre. In return for their efforts the Kingsway is donating art supplies to each school and rewarding 3 artists with Newport Now gift cards. “We are thrilled to be able to support the local schools and highlight the talent of their students through our art wall,” said a spokesperson for the Kingsway Centre. “We believe that art is an important form of self-expression and creativity, and we are proud to provide a platform for young artists to showcase their work.”
As well as new retail and entertainment experiences the Kingsway Centre is thrilled to welcome Newport City Radio as a new tenant. Furthermore, the Kingsway Centre and Newport City Radio are delighted to announce that they will launch their station on DAB radio on July 16th. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for Newport City Radio as they expand their reach and enhance their community engagement.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to Niall, Niamh, Chris, and Ben for their dedication in transforming what was once an empty shell into a place of inspiration. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new home and showcase what we have in store,” says Ian Lamsdale, Managing Director for Newport City Radio.
Newport City Radio has been a beacon of community engagement since its establishment in 2008, providing a platform for local voices to be heard and fostering a sense of connectivity among residents. The move to Kingsway Centre represents a new chapter in their commitment to enhancing community culture and connectivity, offering a central location for residents to engage with their
programming.
The launch event on July 16th will be a celebration of this new chapter for Newport City Radio, with special guests, live broadcasts, and exciting giveaways planned throughout the day. Visitors to the Kingsway Centre can look forward to experiencing the vibrant atmosphere and engaging with the diverse range of programming that Newport City Radio has to offer.
“We are extremely excited to have Newport City Radio on board at the Kingsway. They’re a Newport institution and local heroes. It feels right that they’re in the heart of the city, within the Kingsway Centre. It’s a milestone for them and we’re proud to have them call the Kingsway Centre their new home. We’re very much looking forward to working closely with them for years to come.”
As well as all the new additions, the Kingsway Centre has undergone significant improvements, making it a more welcoming and vibrant destination for shoppers and visitors alike. Some of the key improvements made to the Kingsway Centre include new seating and planting.
Along with these enhancements, vital repairs have been undertaken on the roof and glass atrium. No longer will the centre be covered in wet floor signs for the first time in 10 years, providing a more enjoyable experience for all who visit.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the successes we have achieved in the past six months,” says the management of the Kingsway Centre. “Our goal is to create a vibrant and thriving hub for Newport, and we believe that the improvements made and the addition of new tenants have helped us move closer to that vision. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers and provide them with an exceptional shopping and leisure experience.”
