PLANNERS RECOMMEND APPROVAL FOR NEW CITY SCHEMES

City planning officers are recommending approval for two new innovative schemes aimed at further boosting the city's profile. Mint Blue Properties are proiposing the development of the City Cinema into a Travelodge Hotel providing much needed budget hotel accommodation in the city centre. The proposals envisage 62 hotel rooms, businesses in the lower deck of the building including the very popular China China will be unaffected by the development. The new Modus shopping centre will include a new eight screen cinema. A number of hotels are being built in the city centre, two are linked to the Friar's Walk and City Spires schemes respectively. A Ramada Encore Hotel is also being built as part of the Old Town Dock redevelopment.

Planning officers are also recommending approval for a gateway development from Collingbourne Properties linked to Penmaen Wharf in the Docks area. The proposal includes 160 apartments and a booking office linked to the pleasure boat / steamer service between Newport, Penarth and the West Country.