A shop in Newport could be returned to its former glory.
The former Wadhams store in St James’s Square, which became Topshop in recent years, has been empty for over a year now after Topshop went into administration.
The property has now been sold and work has caught the eye of many Islanders who have visited the county town.
Plans have now been submitted to restore its Victorian facade, as close as can be, to the state it was in when Wadhams owned it.
The shop was open from 1869 but closed after almost 130 years of trading in 1990 when Topshop bought the building.
It is thought the building, which used to be in the shape of an ‘L’ and emerged onto Newport High Street (where Trespass now is), dates back to at least 1714 when it was an inn.
The original shopfront was removed by Topshop when its owners carried out significant building work, according to planning agents ERMC, who said its current frontage is of poor architectural quality.
The building is not listed but is in the Newport Conservation Area and the proposed work would benefit the local historic character, ERMC said.
The work, if approved, would entail removal and replacement of the external sign, new doors, added cornice mouldings and removal of the modern additions dating back to the early 2000s.
There are no further details in the planning documents to suggest what the shop may be, its opening hours or employment type.
You can view the plans, 22/01839/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until November 18.
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