The Enquirer understands that B&K has beaten its rivals to the Friars Walk job which is due to start next month.

The news comes as demolition specialist Cuddy brought down a car park on the site on Sunday.

Cuddy Group worked with IndEx Ltd , SES Contracts Ltd, Stellabrook (Drilling Contractors) & Bingham Hall (Structural Engineers) to bring down the Capitol Car Park.

Councillor Ken Critchley, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “The removal of the car park represents a significant stage in the demolition programme and construction of the eagerly awaited Friars Walk leisure and retail development will begin shortly.”

The removal of Capitol Car Park is the final piece of demolition work to be completed on the demolition.

Cuddy will now clear the site over the next few weeks before handing over the site for main construction to start.

Cuddy Managing Director, Mike Cuddy said: “I am delighted that the explosion went according to plan and that the clean down programme can now begin in earnest.”

The Friars Walk scheme will include 35 retail units, restaurants, 360 parking spaces and a new bus station.

Works are expected to reach completion in the winter of 2015.