Newport City Council’s regeneration manager has outlined proposals for the redevelopment of the former Newport Centre site.
The plans do not include a new Coleg Gwent campus, but would provide space for shops, cafés and fast-food outlets.
The identity of the potential retailers has not been specified.
The scheme has faced criticism over the proposed building’s design and the type of cladding to be used.
Concerns have been raised that these features could make the structure difficult and costly to clean once weather has affected it for several years.
The approach also drew comparisons with John Frost Square and Friars Walk, two existing areas that have been criticised for their appearance and condition.
A new Splash leisure centre on Usk Way is also due to be completed shortly, with concerns raised about its design and the difficulty and cost of cleaning the materials used in its construction.