Newport’s newest retail park is beginning to look the part as it moves closer to completion, with a large sign now in place showcasing the 6 big-name businesses preparing to open their doors.
The latest visible milestone at the former Newport IW FC ground off St George’s Way comes as construction continues at pace ahead of the development welcoming shoppers later this year.
Aldi, B&M, McDonald’s, Costa Coffee, Wren Kitchens and Superdrug are all displayed on the newly erected sign, giving Islanders passing the site a glimpse of what the finished retail park will offer.
The sign also displays the name ‘Newport Retail Park’. It had previously been thought that the development would be known as St George’s Retail Park.
As previously reported by Island Echo, B&M and Superdrug were the final 2 retailers to be confirmed for the site, joining Aldi, Wren Kitchens, Costa Coffee and McDonald’s.
The unit now destined for Superdrug had originally been earmarked for Hobbycraft, suggesting hopes of bringing the arts and crafts retailer to the Isle of Wight for the first time have been shelved.
Questions remain over what the arrival of B&M and Superdrug at Newport Retail Park will mean for the brands’ existing Newport High Street stores.
It remains unclear whether B&M intends to relocate from its existing store in the former BHS building or continue operating 2 Isle of Wight branches. Likewise, there has been no indication as to whether Superdrug will retain its current Newport town centre store.
Should both retailers move out of the High Street, it would leave 2 more prominent retail units vacant in Newport town centre.
No official opening date has yet been announced – although shoppers should expect to be heading to Newport Retail Park by December.
