£3million project gives empty shop new lease of
life
An empty Newport shop is getting a new lease of life thanks to a
£3million project to improve affordable housing in Newport. Mayor
of Newport Cllr Margaret Cornelius cooked up a storm with Newport
City Homes’ residents and staff at the opening of a new kitchen and
bathroom showroom in a former shop in the Ringland Shopping Centre.
The new venture means that an empty unit has been transformed so
residents of 620 homes across Broadmead, Moorland Park, Ringland
and Royal Oak will be able to view kitchen and bathroom samples due
to be fitted in homes between now and December 2012. Ian
Williams, which is working with Newport City Homes to upgrade
kitchens and bathrooms and rewire homes across the city, is opening
the shop.
Ian Williams RLO Gemma
Murphy and the
Mayoress of Newport Cllr
Margaret Cornellius
Residents attending the shop opening were given the chance to
join in the celebrations, refreshments for all were provided and
young people enjoyed cakes, sweets and balloons. Children’s
activities were provided by Newport City Homes in their East Area
office including a swap shop and badge making.
Mrs Hall of Playford Crescent, who recently had her kitchen
refurbished by the Ian Williams team, said: “My kitchen is
brilliant, they are lovely people and I couldn’t fault them. They
kept me informed and the end result is fantastic.”
As well as bringing an empty shop back into use, Ian Williams is
also investing in the local community by working with Newport City
Homes to offer apprentice opportunities in the city.
Ian Williams’ resident liaison officer, Gemma Murphy, said: “The
community shop is going to give residents the opportunity to come
and see first-hand what the kitchens and bathrooms will look like
once they are finished. There will always be a member of staff
available so they can pop in and ask any questions they may
have.”
Sinead O’ Neill, community engagement manager at Ian Williams,
added: “We are committed to having a positive impact in the
communities in which we work. This new shop is improving the
outlook of the shopping centre by bringing the shop back to life.
We are also committed to tackling unemployment and through our
contract with Newport City Homes, we have been able to offer three
apprenticeships to local people.”
Mervyn Green, Head of property services and investment at
Newport City Homes said: “We are very pleased that Ian Williams has
decided to use Ringland shopping centre as a base for the work they
are carrying out in the community. Being in such close proximity to
our East Area office makes this a convenient location for residents
to discuss the upgrade works taking place”.
The shop will be open Monday to Friday from 9 to10am, and from 3
to 4pm.