Newport Street is situated on the left side of the river Rioni. The street was founded in the early 19th century. From the 1850s it was called Governor General Street as the residence of the administrator (later a governor) of Imereti Province was situated at the end of the street, near the building of the former district court.

In 1921 the street was named after Stephan Shaumiani but in 1936 it was separated and called after the Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky.

In 2000 it was renamed Newport Street in honour of tenth year anniversary of the twinning with the City of Newport South Wales.

The ceremony was presided over by the Mayor of Kutaisi, Ramaz Mkheidze and the Mayor of Newport Cllr. Fred Sweeting.

Mayor of Kutaisi, Ramaz Mkheidze (left)
and Mayor of Newport Cllr Fred Sweeting

Newport Street