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Videos Showcasing Newport Go Live

A series of videos exploring positive stories revolving around Newport has gone live - and they will be showcased on a big screen in St James Square during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The videos, which cover everything from pandemic start-up businesses to youth arts and culture, were commissioned by the Newport High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) and include interviews with Platform One, local businesses, Independent Arts and Isle of Wight Heritage Services Manager, Richard Smout.

Claire Kennard, who is supporting the work of the HAZ and has been part of the team behind celebrations in Newport to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, explained the videos will be playing throughout the celebrations on a large screen in St James Square.

She said:

“Each of the videos covers a separate theme that is part of the Heritage Action Zone.

“Through the work of Shaping Newport, an overwhelming theme emerged and that came down to the fact that Newport has an image issue. The videos are designed to address some of those perceptions that people still have regarding Newport.

“For instance, people still think Newport has an issue with empty businesses, but the truth is our vacancy rate is well below that of the mainland and we have seen many new shops opening. I can think of 10 new businesses that started during the pandemic and the reality is a lot more positive than people may think."

Martin Gibson, Project Manager for Ryde and Newport High Street Heritage Action Zones, said the videos also explore Newport’s heritage and the fact the town boasts more than 250 listed buildings.

He said:

“The heritage of our town, which still has a mediaeval street pattern, is something to be cherished and these videos shed further light on the extraordinary history of Newport."

Here are the links for the individual videos:

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