THE owners of the former Sainsbury's site in Newport city centre have put the land up for sale.

The Fear Group had previously announced they were open to selling the site they bought seven years ago.

Fear was granted planning permission for a £60 million development scheme including a hotel, student accommodation and housing but said earlier this year it would be resubmitting plans to the city council.

Dr Stephen Fear, joint head of the Fear Group, said back in April: "We feel a duty of care to the immediate neighbours and Newport to make sure an appropriate scheme is produced, so we won't be submitting another application until we find a buyer or construction partner suitable to us, the city council and the people of Newport."

The site has been hit by several setbacks in recent years, including an arson attack and the possibility that redevelopment could be scuppered by the presence of bats.

The former Sainsbury's site has since been cleared ahead of its sale.