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The city of Newport is arguably one of Wales' most important, with its geographic location making it a physical link between the nation and England. It has much going for it, including major rail links and direct motorway access, allowing locals to maximise the potential that excellent infrastructure offers.

This is evidenced by an increase in those living and visiting the city, with 2021 census data showing a 9.5% increase in the population and around 1.5 million people visiting each month. Yet despite this, the city struggles to maximise the economic benefits you might expect from its size and location. The South Wales city topped the list of cities with the highest percentage of empty shops, according to a report from Centre for Cities.

Nearly one in five shops lie empty in the seaside city, or 19%. There are between 2.5 and 2.9 shops for every 1,000 people in Newport, which is the same as in Wigan and Middlesbrough.

The nature of its high street seemingly deters shoppers from visiting, with the data showing that Newport loses almost 5% of its high street spending to nearby Cardiff, just 11 miles away.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show Newport has 4,625 active businesses, well below the local authority average of 5,775.

Business closures have also risen, hitting 11.1% in 2025, a figure that puts the area above the regional average.

Dr Amal Khalil, a frequent visitor whose husband works weekends in Royal Gwent Hospital, says that the town is "the bare minimum," citing a lack of activities for families to engage in.

He told the South Wales Argus: "It needs more local shops and businesses to make up for the smaller size department stores," adding that although she admits she likes the coffee shops and local food hall, she still thinks "it's a bit expensive."

Newport City Council has recently shared plans to rejuvenate the high street, including a proposal to purchase a former WHSmith store, as well as the introduction of a knowledge quarter along the riverbank and the development of key building projects, such as the exciting Chartist Tower Mercure hotel scheme.

Local business owner Tracy Stokes noted to the Argus: "Rome wasn't built in a day, we still need a lot more progress, sooner rather than later."