The Rise and Fall of a Retail Landmark
For generations, Wildings stood as the most prestigious department store in Newport, Wales, a bastion of elegance and service since its founding in 1874. Today, the building at 165 Commercial Street presents a starkly different scene: boarded-up windows, makeshift skate ramps, and remnants of a large-scale cannabis operation. This dramatic transformation from glamorous retail hub to illicit drug farm encapsulates the broader struggles facing British high streets.
A Glimpse into Wildings' Glorious Past
Peter James, former managing director whose family ran the store for decades, recalls Wildings in its prime. "Department store retail was theatre and it was glamorous in those days," says James, 65. "It was more about service than constant sales. Very traditional, otherworldly, atmospheric." The store employed 50-60 staff, many of whom dedicated their entire careers to Wildings. James particularly remembers Miss White, who joined in 1942 and worked until 2007, describing her as "formidable" with "big glasses, beehive hair."
The store's Christmas displays were legendary community events, drawing crowds to admire elaborate window presentations. Wildings served as the go-to destination for school uniforms, fashion shows, and quality homeware. James himself studied for his O-levels and A-levels in the building's upper rooms where dressmakers once worked.
The Descent into Dereliction
Wildings closed permanently on January 19, 2019, after 144 years of trading. The decline began around 2004, with multiple factors contributing to its demise. Parking difficulties in Newport's city center, competition from retail parks in Cwmbran, and the rise of online shopping all eroded Wildings' customer base. "When you lose such a big market share, it makes it so hard to make it economically viable," James explains. "The percentage that's gone online, that was your profit - and that's now gone."
After the closure, the building deteriorated rapidly. Vandals broke in, and the space became a canvas for urban explorers. Most dramatically, in October 2023, Gwent police raided the property and discovered more than 3,000 cannabis plants across three floors, with an estimated street value exceeding £2 million. Two Albanian men, Adrian Daja and Andi Shabani, were found living among the crop and received two-year prison sentences in January 2024.
From Cannabis Farm to Skate Park
The police raid, captured for the BBC documentary series "Rookie Cops," revealed sophisticated hydroponic equipment, ventilation systems, and nutrient supplies. After the cannabis operation was dismantled, new occupants transformed the third floor into an illicit skate park. Graffiti on the walls documents this chapter, with entries dated March through June 2025 describing ramp construction and skate sessions. The self-described "Wildings Wanderers" left behind a makeshift punchbag, pull-up bar, and various skate obstacles where lingerie departments and tea rooms once operated.
Newport's Broader High Street Crisis
Wildings' story reflects Newport's wider retail struggles. In 2022, the Centre for Cities thinktank found Newport had the UK's highest shop vacancy rate at 33%, though this improved to 19% by 2025 - still double London's rate. Mark Vrettos, a lifelong Newport resident, gives tours highlighting the city's decline. "They don't have a yardstick to compare it with," he says of locals who disparage Newport. "If they went to some of these other towns, they'd realise it isn't so bad."
Guardian analysis shows at least 8,000 fewer retail outlets in Great Britain in 2025 compared to 2019, with department stores suffering the biggest decline at 38%. Research suggests political consequences may follow, with one study warning Labour could face voter discontent over high street decline.
Future Prospects and Lessons
The Wildings building now has new owners who plan to convert it into ground-floor retail with 20 flats above. James, who now runs a department store in Bath, believes this mixed-use approach represents the future for struggling high streets. "Accept that there is going to be limited demand for retail space and encourage residential developments," he advises.
James contrasts Newport's situation with Bath's success: "The demographic is wealthier, so spending power is greater. All the brands want to be trading there. Success breeds success." He acknowledges Newport's "great architectural integrity" but notes it lacks the other factors that sustain vibrant retail centers.
As workers Mo and Naj secure the makeshift plywood door with a heavy padlock, they're not just keeping out skateboarders and potential cannabis farmers - they're sealing away decades of retail history. The scent of perfume has been replaced by musty air, the elegant displays by graffiti, and the attentive service by urban exploration. Wildings' journey from glamorous department store to cannabis farm to skate park serves as a poignant metaphor for the transformation of Britain's urban landscapes.
