Strutt & Parker has prelet 30,000 sq ft to Next and Topshop on behalf of Queensberry Real Estate, at its Friars Walk development in Newport.

Next has taken 20,000 and Topshop 10,000 sq ft, both returning to Newport having closed stores in the city in the last two years.

Construction will start on the 390,000 sq ft development early next year, with Friars Walk due to open in autumn 2015. Other tenants include Debenhams, who have taken 91,000 sq ft, and Cineworld, who have taken 25,000 sq ft.

Nick Young, a partner in Strutt & Parker’s retail agency team, said: “Next and Topshop have recognised the potential of Friars Walk and of Newport city centre; their return reflects the widespread confidence in the city’s future.”

Lord Wolfson, chief executive of Next, said: "It is both rare and refreshing to see such well thought through and ambitious regeneration plans that span commericial, residential, retail, leisure and educational developments."