It means the number of vacant shops has decreased again and is 16.86 per cent of the total compared with 19.88 per cent in February and 23.51 per cent in September 2024.
And that is despite an increase of two new units take the total number in the city centre from 508 to 510.
Every six months, the council counts the empty ground floor premises as well as the figures for chain stores and independents.
Two new units have opened in Kingsway but it now only has one vacant unit compared with eight in February and just under 73 per cent are occupied by independent businesses.
In total, 40 new independent businesses have opened since February in all parts of the city centre including Charles St, Skinner St, Upper Dock St and Commercial St.
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport, said: “This is very positive news and comes as we are planning the next steps for the city centre in line with the ambitious placemaking plan.
“We have an extremely high proportion of properties in Newport and I’ve said previously that we will be seeking ways of reducing this although it won’t be an easy task as the majority of properties are privately owned.
While the addition of two new units increases that proportion, it is pleasing that both of those units have been occupied by new, independent businesses.
“This comes at the same time as the UK government has pledged £20 million to Newport for regeneration which will help both current and future projects in the city centre.
Councillor James Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said: “The council is working hard to bring empty properties in the city centre back into use. We are doing this in different ways including schemes offering financial assistance.
“It’s great to welcome new businesses and that the majority of those in the city centre are indies. We still have some fantastic retail outfits but we are also seeing a more vibrant mix with some unique leisure venues along with brilliant hospitality and music venues.”
New footfall counters have been installed which means it is not possible to compare previous figures but since they were introduced the visitor numbers have risen from more than 1.8 million in May to more than 1.9 million in August.
