Deleted by SeoulDee. Bickering ruining a good thread.

I agree with SeoulDundee; All this regeneration work is taking place at the Western/Southwestern edge of the city centre with the far north eastern side being neglected somewhat. The Wellgate will certainly need a major rethink in the medium to long term. Perhaps downscaling retail in the Welgate coupled with expansion of the Overgate might be one solution - then replace lost retail in the Welgate with other mixed uses - e.g. cinema/bowling/climbing facilities/conference hall for example.

Obviously the whole dynamics of the city will change very soon. No longer will the city centre be reliant only on the movement between Overgate and Wellgate supporting the Murraygate. We'll now have the new Olympia and Gallagher Retail Park to the east, the "cultural quarter" to the west, the night clubs to the north and everything which will come with the V&A to the south.

I think the Seagate station would have to stay but I do think that it's not ideal. I do agree that the the city centre will most likely grow southward between West Marketgait and Commercial Street. Maybe a solution would be to turn the Wellgate into a leisure area after all it would be good encouraging more people to spend time in town with cafes, cinema, etc.

About the new train station; how about actually making people be able to use it by re-starting a Dundee-Arbroath rail service with stops at Broughty Ferry, Monifieth and Carnoustie. All of those stations are criminally under-used.

do you all really like this new station building? i dont mean to piss on your parade but dont you think it looks like something the soviet union would have built in 1965 in one of its provincial capitals?

having used dundee station a lot, it strikes me that as the platforms etc are lowdown anyway, just make the whole thing underground and build whatever on top, with a few entrances/exits of escalators.

does a railway station need to be iconic anyway? it just needs to work - re the comment above about improving local services. aberdeen station post redevelopment is quite impressive and is next to its bus station.

its never going to be st pancras or the new improved kings cross, so why waste the money on some extra thing above ground that will date in a decade and probably include some hideous panel effect?

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/img/photos/biz/dundee_railway_station_03.jpg

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/img/photos/biz/dundee_railway_station_02.jpg

i really dont want to be cruel, but cant you just see this with a red star on the side and 'welcome to kiev' in cyrillic script. its so backwards

do you all really like this new station building? i dont mean to piss on your parade but dont you think it looks like something the soviet union would have built in 1965 in one of its provincial capitals?

having used dundee station a lot, it strikes me that as the platforms etc are lowdown anyway, just make the whole thing underground and build whatever on top, with a few entrances/exits of escalators.

does a railway station need to be iconic anyway? it just needs to work - re the comment above about improving local services. aberdeen station post redevelopment is quite impressive and is next to its bus station.

its never going to be st pancras or the new improved kings cross, so why waste the money on some extra thing above ground that will date in a decade and probably include some hideous panel effect?

The hotel does look a bit crap & could certainly do with a better design.

However whatever you do don't put the station underground! Sunderland did the same to a station in a gully like this and it is a horrible place to be now no matter how much money they spend on it. Diesel fumes and an underground tunnel aren't very nice either!

No real money coming from the station owners (network rail), limited money from the scottish government, credit agreement loan with the local council & still not enough to revamp the whole plot. The obvious choice is to bring in sponsorship from a hotel chain and give them the hotel on a long lease. Its probably a premier or best western. I`m inclined to let the award winning architects do their thing and wait and see the results after all nothing really lasts that long. Tayside house, wellgate centre, multi`s points in principle.
I see there is courier talk of the Hilton chain not interested in the station site. I heard ages ago that Hilton are due to go into plot 12.

No real money coming from the station owners (network rail), limited money from the scottish government, credit agreement loan with the local council & still not enough to revamp the whole plot. The obvious choice is to bring in sponsorship from a hotel chain and give them the hotel on a long lease. Its probably a premier or best western. I`m inclined to let the award winning architects do their thing and wait and see the results after all nothing really lasts that long. Tayside house, wellgate centre, multi`s points in principle.
I see there is courier talk of the Hilton chain not interested in the station site. I heard ages ago that Hilton are due to go into plot 12.

I agree on the point of having a hotel group sponsor the building, the jury, from my point of view is still out on the design! I think it will depend on the external finish of the building, if it is done properly it can "last" a long time, i.e. good quality stone finish. The buildings you listed have either a concrete or cheap block finish. Other buildings seem to have done OK.....the DCA, The Rep, BOS Office, the Overgate. What we don't want is another cheaplyh clad buidling like the Hilton or the railway station!

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/uploads/imageProcessor/within/800_800/1393.jpg

Waterfront Hotels:
Plot 7 (?)
Plot 12 (Hilton)
Railway Station (Premier or Western)
Tay Hotel (Malmaison)

Which hotel chain is going/rumoured to be going in plot 7?

You would presume that the Hilton would be plot 7 given that it is available sooner, and on a better site that plot 12.
As for the station - I can understand reservations, but it looks 100x better than the current one, and I for one think it could look pretty good if finished correctly.
A train station says a lot more about a city than people might imagine, and it should be grand and ambitious, not hidden underground.
Imagine one day a first time visitor stepping out of Dundee's grand station to be confronted by the Discovery, V&A, a great civic space and stunning hotels with their very first glances - some change!

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/img/photos/biz/dundee_railway_station_03.jpg

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/img/photos/biz/dundee_railway_station_02.jpg

i really dont want to be cruel, but cant you just see this with a red star on the side and 'welcome to kiev' in cyrillic script. its so backwards

Cosmictanya I take your point, the design is very brutal and a bit eastern european, but then again Dundee has a proud history of putting up slightly soviet buidings, you just have to look at the back of the Caird Hall and the building which lies due north of the Mcmanus galleries (recruitment office or something). Also they made a TV series depicting the German occupation of Russia or something in the 80s I think and Dundee was used as one of the sets. I remember walking past Dundee High School which was covered in swastikas. To be honest I like the design as shown despite all this and would much rather a bold monolithic design than something covered in a hundred different materials. Remember for £14 million we arent going to get the curvy glass canopies which everyone was expecting.

...Anyway back to my main point, I know for a fact that the design shown in the Courier is only one of several 'half baked' schemes shown to the Council, and in NRS they are calling it the Brutalist option. I think the office was a little taken aback when this design was published. I would expect a somewhat 'softer' design being shown soon.


just read on edinburgh page that network rail are proceeding with a £25 million development of Haymarket and we may not even get £2 million !

I have to agree that the design shown is a bit too 'brutal' for my taste - though I like the entrance's reference to the V & A. I do think the scale is right. The gateway to the city should impress and state that this is a city to take seriously.

TBH, I am worried that this project might actually stop the direct view of the Discovery ship and part of the Tay, since the building would be much bigger. Does anyone know if the hotel would be directly over the existing station or in front of it, where the small roundabout is now? Also, speaking from an Eastern European's point of view: it does look a bit commie-style.

Lots more criticism on the Urban Realm website http://www.urbanrealm.com/news/3475/Dundee_Station_redevelopment_plans_unveiled.html

Regarding hotels, does anyone know what - if anything - is happening or likely to happen at the Greenmarket site? I always thought that was a good spot for a hotel.

I agree that the design isn't the best but the thing I like about it is the three entrances. Exit one way and your looking straight at the Discovery, V&A and the river front. Exit the other way and your looking at the Tay Hotel and the CBD. Then exit the front entrance and your looking straight towards the green civic space.

That is a terrible design.

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/img/photos/biz/dundee_railway_station_03.jpg

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/img/photos/biz/dundee_railway_station_02.jpg

i really dont want to be cruel, but cant you just see this with a red star on the side and 'welcome to kiev' in cyrillic script. its so backwards

You're being a bit unfair on Kiev there mate. I was there a couple of years ago and I was quite impressed by many of the grand and imposing Stalinist buildings around the city centre.

Some of the metro stations in Kiev are far cooller than any railway station I've seen in the UK. Ornate pillars and chandeliers everywhere.

I can't say I'm too impressed by the design of that new Dundee station though.

I quite like the design although something may need to be done about the windows at the front - perhaps they are slightly spoiling the design?

You're being a bit unfair on Kiev there mate. I was there a couple of years ago and I was quite impressed by many of the grand and imposing Stalinist buildings around the city centre.

Some of the metro stations in Kiev are far cooller than any railway station I've seen in the UK. Ornate pillars and chandeliers everywhere.

I can't say I'm too impressed by the design of that new Dundee station though.

yes i guess, it is unfair to kiev, i agree with you re the stations and the impressiveness of some stalinist stuff. lets say minsk or pripyat then. what is realistically going to be in those retail units anyway - a tesco express and a double height pret a manger with a premier inn on top.

hence why i think just build something else and have it underground with some escalators for not much budget. use savings to combine with better local services for a buzzier feel. yes the v&a and an improving economy will hopefully change it, but generally at that site its just a few bored cab drivers and some people having a last minute fag, and now the same but with this random ugly object planned.

i notice the point about sunderland, i cant say really as ive never been but if its unpleasant then i accept your point. as a londoner i have no great problem with air quality in tunnels, is anyone ever in one long enough for it to become an issue - some newer stations here have glass partitions with electric doors that only open when the train is at the platform, which ive never really thought about but i guess its to cut down on that, or to stop suicides.

as my sons other grandparents live in dundee, im going to have to use this hideous building for the next decade or so when i bring him up to see them, and it doesnt inspire me to think wow or even what was the point. as for the underground part - at least it'd be warmer - those platforms in dundee are completely freezing and when it rains it just pisses down the walls and drips all over the place. the only thing that could make it grimmer is this on top.

Deleted by SeoulDee. Bickering ruining a good thread.

It won't get built to that design, but I think you have completely missed the point. That whole area has been demolished over the past couple of years, with offices, shops, hotels and houses catering to thousands of people about the be built over the next ten years or so. Your comment "at that site its just a few bored cab drivers and some people having a last minute fag, and now the same but with this random ugly object planned." is completely irrelevant, as that location will soon be one of the busiest parts of the city.

Network Rail won't spend any money rebuilding the railway station, hence the reason the council are going to do it, but they are hardly going to spend millions on a new station and then simply donate it to a private company in Network Rail. That is why a commercial development is included in the station and makes perfect sense in my opinion. In South Korea, where they have an outstanding rail and subway network, almost every major station incorporates commercial facilities such as shops and hotels, and it makes it ideal. The same type of facilities you would expect in an airport, only in a central location for use by everyone whether you are travelling by train or not.

Suwon Station (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suwon_Station) would be an ideal model of what Dundee is trying to achieve, with a basement railway station and effectively a small shopping centre, restaurants, cinema and other things above. I don't know why this type of station is not more common in the UK.

well i do beg your pardon for my irrelevancies, but i was just reacting on an aesthetic level. no i did not miss the point - you cannot FORCE commerce into a particular area, only guide it and hope to god it follows without any major problems in the wider economy. enforcing it leads to the repeated demolitions you cite as the market cycles around it until the next forced regeneration.

that type is station is common enough, but not more common because commerce does not follow force. taking kings cross with all its new retail as an extreme example, its all fairly typical stuff, you could not FORCE another bond street onto it, although you might, eventually, end up with a notting hill gate, PURELY because of location, property, and the sheer numbers and diversity of people. people generally just don't hang around railway stations without a purpose.

i read a mention of the wellgate and a hope that your city centre will realign itself. great, demolish it, relocate a cinema there, remake it into a street, couldn't agree more. but what about the approaches to it which are filled with ground floor retail units which are struggling? that is not going to change, there is only so much retail to go round. you can say oh no its fine, it can become restaurants, but without doing something radical over rates and rents that isnt going to happen on a satisfactory scale.

building extra retail units anywhere outside of central london is crazy - i work in glasgow a lot, buchanan galleries, quarter and st enoch have had a hideous effect on argylle and sauchiehall streets which will only continue with enforced expansions when there is already a surplus of units. south korea has a fantastic public transport system because it has a density of people with several enormous cities, all of which have grown up in the modern era.

its crazy for several reasons - the economy, the internet, the volume of people, the spending power of the locals, the estimated spending power of visitors and new locals. and primarily crazy because you cant name a single tenant or desirable anchor that has expressed interest in moving to this hideous structure on top of a moderately busy station.

reading your thoughts, i may have countered rather harshly i think. im not reacting against the idea you envisage, but in all honesty it just cant work out like that in that location. people in scotland dont use trains like south koreans or londoners or people in europe. more trains at more convenient times to more local stations, and faster non stop trains into edinburgh would help.

is it really going to busy? when the museum shuts for the night and the offices have closed? in a dreamland you'd have sushi bars and green tea cafes, design stores to tie in with the museum, a street of commercial galleries, locals in great apartments dining out and working out and their trendy kids licking frozen yoghurt into the night. but that is so evidently not whats planned here.

i wasnt being bitchy by saying tesco express and a pret - thats the reality unfortunately. network rail etc - well thats a whole other argument which i probably completely agree with you on. you mention korea - look at berlin as a closer example - two or three enormous stations on the main retail streets, one in particular of great architectural note. and they are still filled with shit, pizza units and chemists and coffee chains, and the good stuff is all outside, in spite of, not because of.

it may not be built to this design, i personally hope not. but if this is the pr gateway to what eventually appears then bloody hell. it may not be quite this design, but the owners have declared their hand here and published what they think is an acceptable standard, and i just think it could all be a million times better for less money. the irony is, youre the local ready to jump with defence and its me who is demanding/hoping/praying for miles better

airports - well the only thing i like in an airport is a good bar, decent duty free, a flight thats on time, moving walkways instead of endless corridors, and a lack of package holidaymakers in accessorize, hence i prefer heathrow to gatwick (flights on time aside - therefore bar essential). but whatever, this is not going to be either.

i cant access any details on how many flats are planned for this site, or what kind of price brackets they will be in, let alone what they are going to look like but if its more city quay stuff then in 2022 its going to be falling to pieces AND ugly. ive said before on this forum that you have far too many suburban estates up there which need to be demolished and the population rehoused centrally to increase density and usage of existing areas, but the thinking seems clockwise - my ex in laws are blank as to why that might be better, oh but its not affordable, kids need gardens...

a) you do not have an affordability problem in scotland, outside of edinburgh and aberdeen. b) kids do not need gardens, a park is fine. so now even more council houses are being built - houses, not flats. instead of saying oh im sorry you have 3 kids and a 2 bed flat, use a condom, nope too late, buy bunkbeds. the prevailing situation there seems to be lets build more suburban houses. and then force retail and commerce into planned zones. been done, didnt work.

i am far from a tory voting tosser, i completely see the need for people to have decent secure roofs over their heads that they can trust, and if they cant afford it, then social housing is great, and i hope there is some planned for this area, but extra? really? im aware that this will be shot down in flames but i see these issues are intertwined and this building aside from being ugly and unneccesary, doesnt address any past mistakes in a hopeful way.

i mentioned aberdeen - which is obviously more realistic than either south korea or east berlin or even east croydon. before the redevelopment it was a desolate boring, freezing cold terminal. now, its really quite nicely integrated, and union square provides the commerce you speak of, there is a hotel, and the bus station is on site. it still isnt particularly well connected to union street, but they are forcibly reorientating their city centre as well, the main difference being, its a rich town.

Deleted by SeoulDee. Bickering ruining a good thread.

I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are drunk, as that is three mighty rambling posts about nothing and everything without as much as a capital letter.

I will attempt to answer some of that...

1) I suggested demolishing the Wellgate, which is almost 100% retail and replacing it with a mixed use development containing only some retail. That is NOT creating more retail space, it would be a net loss of retail.

2) Your right, I could not name a single retailer wanting to open in the a new Dundee Station. I could not name a single retailer wanting to open in London either. I would happily bet that there are many though, as outside the Wellgate, Dundee's retail scene is about as good as it has ever been.

3) You say you cannot force business into the area, which is true enough, but DCC, Unicorn Property etc are already talking of significant demand. Union Street and the Nethergate is already seeing a significant demand.

4) "that type is station is common enough, but not more common because commerce does not follow force" Possibly the most ridiculous comment yet. The biggest single factor determining retail property demand is the number of feet passing the front door. Retail follows people all right.

5) "is it really going to busy? when the museum shuts for the night and the offices have closed" The station will be located on the new bottom half of Union Street when it is completed. Why would it be any less busy than the top half of Union Street, or any other city centre street for that matter?

6) "the irony is, youre the local ready to jump with defence and its me who is demanding/hoping/praying for miles better" I'm a Dundonian who spends more time in Asia than Dundee. If you had read my post (can you read, because you sure can't write?) you would have seen that I said this design won't get built because it's hideous. A large railway station comprising a significant commercial development will be built, and it will be successful. The people running our city are significantly more ambitious than you, and will not settle for anything other than a booming economy in the city, and will develop the waterfront until they achieve it.

7) "so now even more council houses are being built - houses, not flats. instead of saying oh im sorry you have 3 kids and a 2 bed flat, use a condom, nope too late, buy bunkbeds."

Are you on crack? Seriously. It appears you have fairly extreme views on the social policy of this country.
Where are more council houses being built? Certainly not in central Dundee. You come across as a rambling lunatic.

" am far from a tory voting tosser, i completely see the need for people to have decent secure roofs over their heads"

Oh really, you could have fooled me. Your attitude, and others like it, will see this country's long overdue independence from that type of London centric, snobbish, looking down their nose attitude of Southern England, that believe other are not just inferior to them, but that they should actually just accept being inferior and poor.

fabulous reply to a few observations. pretty much what i expected. incapable of writing or reading, whatever you like. im neither drunk nor on crack.

you agree retail follows the foot, or rather the tastes and pockets, so whats the problem. the southern england jab is just too good.

'the people running our city are considerably more ambitious than you...' - you have no idea of my ambition, although i can safely guess we're straying onto the unsaid 'they are snp' territory.oh no, my mistake, veiled reference to independence in regard to a fucking railway station, just noticed on second glance

i was commenting on a fucking hideous design. at every single point i added that it was my own opinion alone. 'it will be successful' - says who? a 'large railway station' - fat lot of good without services or people.
i disregard punctuation on these things unless clarity demands it, but if i cant write, you cant spell - lets hope you're not teaching efl to the poor sods of seoul

fabulous reply to a few observations. pretty much what i expected. incapable of writing or reading, whatever you like. im neither drunk nor on crack.

you agree retail follows the foot, or rather the tastes and pockets, so whats the problem. the southern england jab is just too good.

'the people running our city are considerably more ambitious than you...' - you have no idea of my ambition, although i can safely guess we're straying onto the unsaid 'they are snp' territory.oh no, my mistake, veiled reference to independence in regard to a fucking railway station, just noticed on second glance

i was commenting on a fucking hideous design. at every single point i added that it was my own opinion alone. 'it will be successful' - says who? a 'large railway station' - fat lot of good without services or people.
i disregard punctuation on these things unless clarity demands it, but if i cant write, you cant spell - lets hope you're not teaching efl to the poor sods of seoul

:ohno:

Wow.....never thought that a picture of a railway station would create so much debate! Very interesting and keeps it lively :).....however cosmictanya, no need to swear, it does not add anything and it is very childish :ohno:

Another Article...

http://www.compropscotland.com/index.php/article/dundee_waterfront_14m_rail_station_to_meet_dundees_growth_surge

Deleted by SeoulDee.

well yes i take the point about swearing, but it was a childish response to a childish response - calling someone a drunk and a crack addict after they take the time to think about a city they have come to care about - that's never going to get a great response. you dont think its childish to call someone a drunk and a crack user for having different ideas to a mediocre status quo? or to start flinging nationalism in the face of my overweening 'southern snobbishness'. i apologise and admit swearing wasnt ideal, but compared to the mentality i was dealing with, its not much in return.

re my writing and reading comprehension - i did not say council flats were being built in the centre of dundee, i said they should be. clearly youre own reading comprehension leaves a lot to be desired. but according to your own council website, they have been built in douglas, st marys, and linlathen. as for 'who is building new council houses anymore' - it is one of the flagship policies of your favourite party. if you don't know that then either you have no idea about the basic pledges it contains, or they aren't fulfilling them. the completed projects in said suburban estates suggests it would be the former.

'fairly extreme views on social policy' - well if wanting denser, more vibrant areas containing happier people who have good design to live in and work and leisure opportunities close by is extreme, then im an extremist yes. but i dont really want to deal with you at all, as all i have done is offer my own thoughts about, as i said, a place i have come to care about. only to have my state of mind, my sobriety, and my nationality all cast against me. id say that is pretty extreme.

back on topic, its still not a nice design and the rest of my points i stand by

Well, i'm no Burns or Shakespeare but... :lol: - its clear

I think my response was quite fair given the nature of your posts.
actually it was pretty venomous. unwelcoming would be generous.

From a debate about the design of a railway station, you managed to include a barrage of fairly chaotic stuff about people wearing condoms, bunkbeds, not being a "tory tosser", all out of the blue from a run of the mill post. - not out of the blue, but by free association of intertwined issues, as i said. from same debate you managed to get to independence, and, of course, the equally predictable stuff about southern england.

as better posts could be written by a primary school kid. whatever gets you through the day. unless you edit a publication i work for then i couldnt give a monkeys

You say I "have no idea" about your ambition, but your post clearly states that you think building a large railway station, retail, social housing is "crazy". - i actually said the opposite, i said it was a good thing - i pointed you in the direction of aberdeen as a good local example.

You evidently lack ambition for "anywhere outside of central London". - i did not say that. i said extra retail units outside of it on a large scale were crazy. or is ambition limited to building shopping centres with no interested offers of intent, or railway stations without expanded, working local services. cart before horse.

your hideous rant. great.

Your attitude, and others like it, will see this country's long overdue independence from that type of London centric, snobbish, looking down their nose attitude of Southern England, that believe other are not just inferior to them, but that they should actually just accept being inferior and poor.[/QUOTE]

now THAT is rambling. and a whole lot besides. you obviously have an ENORMOUS chip on your shoulder. i never said anything about inferiority or poverty. i said that as i have come to care for dundee, i dont want it to make expensive mistakes. but being from that nest of vipers you imagine southern england to be (in order to service your own inferiority complex) my opinions, which were heartfelt, are discarded as those of a drunk, crack addled social extremist snob from the 'south east' who writes like a primary school kid, instead of your own sub shakespearian turns of phrase. it must be so tiring to have such negative views of people.

that design is still bad.

Omg you pair need to get a life. Everyone should be entitled to their own opinions and be able to express them. I've always felt these forums were like dogs pissing to mark their territory and snapping at anyone who dares disagree with them. People like you pair really do put others off with your juvenile bickering.

Location: London

Ah, right.

.
Enjoying this frank exchange of views...

Onnyhoo, cosmictanya, you opined,

people generally just don't hang around railway stations without a purpose.

In the early 70s, when pubs still shut at 10 pm, a bunch of us treated the bar in Tay Bridge Station as our 'local'. We weren't waiting for trains; we went there because we could have a bit of banter with the barmaid and the odd punter or three who were about to avail themselves of British Rail's services. I think the only qualification for entry was the purchase of a platform ticket.

The point is that if a building provides for the perceived needs of people, they will use it. We had a great choice of pubs and lounges, where we could have spent some time, but the station bar suited us. So we used it...

On the subject of building the station underground: there is no place to extend the station underground - unless the original Victorian features and buildings were destroyed and, frankly, I think they are the station's biggest asset. Restoration of the downstairs buildings, platforms, etc, could make the station a touristy "must see", particularly among the railway anoraks, who do spend a lot of money on their interest...

All they have to do then is get the ground level building right. The current design probably has the facilities required but, like pimtor, who typed,

I quite like the design although something may need to be done about the windows at the front - perhaps they are slightly spoiling the design?

I think the upper storey appearance is dire. Reminiscent of the Hilton's appearance. Bland...

something being done at last

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/22250/wallace-craigie-works-to-be-converted-into-flats-for-rent.html

something being done at last

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/22250/wallace-craigie-works-to-be-converted-into-flats-for-rent.html
Good to see. Been going past that building for as long as I can remember and always thought when something was going to be down.

.
Enjoying this frank exchange of views...

Onnyhoo, cosmictanya, you opined,



In the early 70s, when pubs still shut at 10 pm, a bunch of us treated the bar in Tay Bridge Station as our 'local'. We weren't waiting for trains; we went there because we could have a bit of banter with the barmaid and the odd punter or three who were about to avail themselves of British Rail's services. I think the only qualification for entry was the purchase of a platform ticket.

The point is that if a building provides for the perceived needs of people, they will use it. We had a great choice of pubs and lounges, where we could have spent some time, but the station bar suited us. So we used it...

On the subject of building the station underground: there is no place to extend the station underground - unless the original Victorian features and buildings were destroyed and, frankly, I think they are the station's biggest asset. Restoration of the downstairs buildings, platforms, etc, could make the station a touristy "must see", particularly among the railway anoraks, who do spend a lot of money on their interest...

All they have to do then is get the ground level building right. The current design probably has the facilities required but, like pimtor, who typed,



I think the upper storey appearance is dire. Reminiscent of the Hilton's appearance. Bland...

well thats quite a brilliant anecdote, i like that a lot. yes i guess there are a number of reasons why people might hang around a railway station, whether funny, convenient, weird, or illicit. i hope any new bar there lives up to your memories!

i see what you mean about the victoriana yes - but what i was meaning was extending it backwards into the tunnel, or extra platforms underneath where the road is on one side/and or the offices on the other.

.
Hi cosmictanya.

Re: going underground with the station in an eastward direction.

There was a plan in 1896, to combine Dundee's three stations into one, situated underground at Dock Street, where the tunnel is now, along the lines of Edinburgh's Waverley. You can see the plan of the proposal in the book, "The Railways Of Dundee" by Peter Marshall [ISBN 0 85361 482 2], on page 120.
Tay Bridge Station would have become a marshalling yard for putting trains together, the East Station would have become a goods station and the West Station would have been converted into a hotel, operated jointly by the railway companies.
The proposal was not taken forward, because of the problem of ongoing water seepage into the existing tunnel, requiring continual pumping out. This was, of course, because this land was claimed from the Tay and the Tay, shovelling more water into the sea daily than any other British river, wants it back.
This is why I question the idea of putting a car park underneath "Caird Square", the "civic open space' in the Central Waterfront. Having raised this issue with 'council officials', I am not convinced of their assertion that they can alleviate this problem.
How can one be confident when the council high heid yins don't even know where the Scourin' Burn flows into the river?

I see you've deleted a few comments, SeoulDee. Don't disappear like Jeff H did. After all some of your remarks were genuinely funny (no offence CosmiTanya! Some of yours were good too). It's good to see people having strong opinions about what's happening in Dundee and not being afraid to share them. Lets not get too hung up on a few words!

I see you've deleted a few comments, SeoulDee. Don't disappear like Jeff H did. After all some of your remarks were genuinely funny (no offence CosmiTanya! Some of yours were good too). It's good to see people having strong opinions about what's happening in Dundee and not being afraid to share them. Lets not get too hung up on a few words!

Cannot agree more, the last few days have certainly been lively...keep it up!:cheers:

Argos to close...

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/22290/argos-closure-announcement-another-major-blow-for-wellgate-centre.html

Although the manager says...

''We hope to announce new tenants in the near future.''

:ohno:

Argos was originally in the Overgate - remember the Argos store in the old Overgate?

Argos to close...

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/22290/argos-closure-announcement-another-major-blow-for-wellgate-centre.html

Although the manager says...

''We hope to announce new tenants in the near future.''

:ohno:

This just confirms the need for a radical rethink with regard to the Wellgate. Personally I'd like to see it demolished and reopened as a street with mixed uses - back to what it was originally. Anyone who looks at old pictures of how it used to look would agree - a fine shopping street leading up from the Murraygate. Far more interesting than a defunct seventies eyesore. Of course, given the economic situation, who knows when this could ever happen.

Seen bus stop adverts up in Glasgow today advertising Dundee with a big image of the V&A. Likly to drum up public awareness before it's actually built.

Anyone know whats going on with the demolition of Tayside House? Safedem seem to have ceased demolition work for the past week or two as there hasn't been any activity lately.

Update: Ah! this the reason.

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/22310/tayside-house-demolition-work-pauses-for-rail-tunnel-checks.html

I was back in Dundee at the weekend with camera in hand, so for those of us who cant see the progress for ourselves, here is the latest developments at the Olympia and waterfront. + a few gratuitous others


http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/01.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/02.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/03.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/04.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/05.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/06.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/07.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/08.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/09.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/010.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/011.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/012.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/013.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/014.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/015.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/017.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/018.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/019.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/020.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/021.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/022.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/023.jpg
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t363/dufc1909/024.jpg


Seen bus stop adverts up in Glasgow today advertising Dundee with a big image of the V&A. Likly to drum up public awareness before it's actually built.

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/tayside/304546-dundee-launches-campaign-targeting-edinburgh-and-glasgow-residents/ :)

good photees, jpeg No. 5 is by far the best however

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/tayside/304546-dundee-launches-campaign-targeting-edinburgh-and-glasgow-residents/ :)

Dundee has launched a new campaign targeting Glasgow and Edinburgh residents to consider the city as a better place to live, work, study and invest.

Oooh tryin' to leach us off are ye? ;)

In seriousness though, it's great to see the activity and attention on Dundee. I'm pretty ashamed to admit my own limited experience of Dundee comes from a night spent in the Travelodge on the A90 and a short drive through the outskirts the next morning.

love the mirrored glass on the new olympia

Oooh tryin' to leach us off are ye? ;)

In seriousness though, it's great to see the activity and attention on Dundee. I'm pretty ashamed to admit my own limited experience of Dundee comes from a night spent in the Travelodge on the A90 and a short drive through the outskirts the next morning.

Good to see it's being noticed! :)

http://www.dundee.com/news/dundee-targets-edinburgh-glasgow-residents-change-scene.html#.T5U_6KQlGSQ.twitter

Students at Dundee have the best experience of university life, according to a new survey.

The Scottish institution topped the Times Higher Education (THE) student experience study.

The poll surveyed more than 14,000 UK undergraduates, asking them to rate their university in 21 categories including quality of life, lectures and accommodation.

Dundee came fifth in last year's survey.

Prof Pete Downes, principal of Dundee University, said: "There is nothing more important to a university than the quality of the experience enjoyed by students who attend it, so to come out top in the UK in a major survey like this is very encouraging.

"Our ambition is to be Scotland's leading university, so we must build on this very positive result and work hand-in-hand with our students to achieve that."

Iain Kennedy, president of Dundee Students' Association, said: "There are so many good things about being a student in Dundee.

"Almost all of the accommodation is either on campus or within a few minutes walk so there is a real 'student village' feel to the place, and at the same time we are right in the centre of a vibrant city."

Continue reading the main story
Top 10 THE study universities
1. Dundee

2. Loughborough

3. Sheffield

4. Oxford

5. Cambridge

6. East Anglia

7. Southampton

8. Aberystwyth

9. Glasgow

10. Leeds

He added: "The university has invested a lot in facilities over the past few years and that has had a very positive impact on student life."

Dundee beat Loughborough, Sheffield, Oxford and Cambridge to the top spot.

Last year's winner Loughborough was rated first for its student union and industry contacts.

Oxford was found to have the best quality staff and lectures, while the Royal Veterinary College was judged to have the most improved student experience.

THE editor John Gill said: "Student expectations are rising in line with the increase in tuition fees this autumn, putting pressure on universities both to compete for students and to ensure that they are not disappointed with their experience once they arrive.

"While universities must never put the student experience before academic concerns, its value to undergraduates cannot be underestimated.

"We hope this year's survey will help universities to raise their game, learn from the best and meet the challenges of higher expectations and greater 'consumer' demand."

Two Scottish institutions made the top 10 in the survey with Glasgow rated the 9th best in terms of the student experience.

Planning application : The Glass Pavillion The Esplanade Broughty Ferry

Erection of 2 new Storeys of Residential accommodation above existing restaurant, consisting of 4 luxury apartments at First Floor Level and 2 penthouse apartments at Second Floor Level.


http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/doc/Photograph-405185.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=405185&location=VOLUME2&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=1

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=M3ASFJGC68000&searchtype=WEEKLY

Has anyone heard anything more about Nando`s opening? Seems to have gone all quiet...

Nandos are still hiring staff. They probably will open after June when the Sheffield store opens. On another note the new restaurant on Perth road next to Braes has started work on their terrace.

Does anyone know what the old house right next to the Queens hotel is being turned into?

According to today's courier, H&H properties have started to work on the Riverside flats :)

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/22579/new-flats-developer-starts-work-at-troubled-riverside-site.html

According to today's courier, H&H properties have started to work on the Riverside flats :)

Yeah, thats correct. The flats are being built in phases dependant on sales so hopefully the people of Dundee snap these up. The developers have a proven track record of quality bulids so I'm really excited to see the end product.

Nandos are still hiring staff. They probably will open after June when the Sheffield store opens. On another note the new restaurant on Perth road next to Braes has started work on their terrace.

Does anyone know what the old house right next to the Queens hotel is being turned into?

Hi moviestar,I think the building or buildings (there are 3 I think) you are referring to are owned by Dundee University, or at least they use to be. I was quite taken aback at the poor state of repair that they are currently in the last time I walked past them and hope that they are being refurbished.

The end of the riverside roundabout and the move to a T junction to allow work on railway tunnel and the station

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/22671/riverside-roundabout-replaced-in-latest-stage-of-dundee-waterfront-project.html

A new museum for Dundee has been awarded £9.2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The V&A at Dundee celebrates the best in Scottish design and showcases the country’s design heritage to the world.

The works of internationally renowned names such as Robert Adam, Christopher Dresser, Harris Tweed, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Phoebe Traquair and Bill Gibb are to be celebrated in the museum.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “For years Scotland has been making its mark in the world of international design. In our everyday lives, we use these designs, telephone, television, lawnmower, fountain pen, stamps, without being aware that they were created by fellow Scots.

“The V&A at Dundee will harness this incredible heritage and present it to the world as a celebration of Scottish talent. Housed in a stunning building, which itself reflects cutting-edge design, it has the potential to be a ‘must-see’ destination, attracting visitors and design professionals from across the globe.”

Philip Long, director of V&A at Dundee, said: “Scotland’s design heritage is centuries old, full of inspirational stories of talent, innovation and enterprise. Our designers have shaped the identity and industry of our country, and have contributed creatively around the world.

“The development of V&A at Dundee is an outstanding opportunity to help us understand and celebrate this remarkable heritage and from it take inspiration for the future. We are delighted to have this early support from Heritage Lottery Fund, which takes our vision and the remarkable building proposed for V&A at Dundee a significant step closer.”

The V&A at Dundee will be housed in a signature building projecting into the Tay estuary and designed by Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma. As well as dedicated exhibition space for long-term displays, it will allow major touring exhibitions of outstanding international design to come to Scotland for the first time.

The development of the V&A at Dundee will play a vital role in the regeneration of the city’s waterfront and is expected to receive 500,000 visitors in its first year.

V&A at Dundee is being delivered by Design Dundee Ltd, a partnership between the Victoria and Albert Museum and Dundee City Council, the Universities of Dundee and Abertay Dundee, and Scottish Enterprise.

The money has been awarded at first-round pass which means it still has to go through a second-round application and the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals.

Link: http://news.stv.tv/tayside/99120-prestigious-new-dundee-museum-awarded-92m-in-lottery-funding/

Great news for the V & A @ Dundee project, lets hope it "wins" the 9M.

Can someone tell me why the latest illustrations of the project show a much smaller building with a bloody great tree in the center of it ? :nuts:

http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/visual-arts/dundee-s-guggenheim-halfway-to-hitting-45-million-funding-target-1-2288206

Great news for the V & A @ Dundee project, lets hope it "wins" the 9M.

Can someone tell me why the latest illustrations of the project show a much smaller building with a bloody great tree in the center of it ? :nuts:

http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/visual-arts/dundee-s-guggenheim-halfway-to-hitting-45-million-funding-target-1-2288206

It's just the angle the render has been taken at: half the building is blocking the other half.


The link below shows all the floorplans and renders.
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/11694/kengo-kuma-va-at-dundee-shortlisted-design.html

Thank you R.K.Teck.

The design has changed a bit since the competition, and has become a bit squarer and more rational than the original competition drawings. google ' e architect architect' or 'architect releases updated images for v and a '. For some reason I cant post links to e architect website

Great news regarding the V&A - I still can hardly believe this is happening in Dundee! Fingers crossed for the 9 million and the European money needed.

Not so good news from Dundee airport

http://m.stv.tv/news/tayside/99973-figures-reveal-another-slump-in-passenger-numbers-at-dundee-airport/

Not so good news from Dundee airport

http://m.stv.tv/news/tayside/99973-figures-reveal-another-slump-in-passenger-numbers-at-dundee-airport/




Part of me`s not too surprised - I flew return to Belfast from Dundee with my wife last week (£115 return each, not too bad) - the flight out on the Tuesday was great, total convenience only having to get down to Dundee Airport, flight left on time, very efficient etc. BUT as we were on our way to Belfast City Airport on the Friday to catch our 15:15 flight home I was phoned by Flybe (this was at the back of 1) to tell me our flight had been cancelled! They offered to get us on the Edinburgh flight if I could get to the airport for 2, we made it, and they then put all the Dundee passengers on a bus back to Dundee. But I`ve heard SO many stories like this, doesn`t exactly instill confidence when it comes to booking flights from Dundee!:ohno:

'Everything is going very smoothly' — Dundee V&A architect Kengo Kuma pleased with progress.
The man behind the V&A building on the banks of the Tay says everything is going according to plan.

The Tokyo-based architect spoke while making a flying visit to Scotland — and revealed he will be coming to Dundee next month to visit the waterfront site.

"Unfortunately I had no time to visit the site on this trip, but I will be coming back very soon, in June," he said.

He added: "The people who are involved with the project in Dundee and the people of the city have been very supportive.

"We have sent four staff to Edinburgh to work on the latest stage of the project, and they are very happy to be in Scotland. They are very comfortable, and it is much better to develop something when you are there close to it.

"Everything is going very smoothly. It's all running on schedule and we're all excited with the progress of the project."

Mr Kuma's iconic design for the V&A will see much of the building sit out on the waters of the Tay, creating an instantly recognisable new face for the city.

Mr Kuma revealed that his Edinburgh-based team, led by Maurizio Mucciola, are pressing ahead to a new stage of the project.

"We have finished the schematic of the design and we are now in the design and development phase," he said. "The plans have changed a little bit from the design we entered in the competition, but the philosophy is the same.

"Our philosophy will be perfectly realised in the Dundee project, especially the way it works in harmony with nature."

If the project progresses as planned, the museum should be ready to open its doors in 2015.

Entertainment Exchange are looking to move into the old moben kitchen shop on the nethergate...looks well minky :ohno:

http://www.scottishfranchisemagazine.net/page/cex/phx3pm.php

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/findCaseFile.do?apptype=DC&appNumber=12/00203/LBC

High St CEX shops usually have no longevity. . . . .

Dundee hotel development a highlight in 'challenging' times for Malmaison

The man in charge of bringing a branch of upmarket hotel chain Malmaison to Dundee says the development remains on course to open next summer despite ''hard going'' in the marketplace.

Chief executive Gary Davis said the city's prominent new 91-room hotel will open for business in July next year, creating a city landmark.

But he admitted that the company is facing tough conditions as parent MWB Group Holdings used a trading update for the first three months of 2012 to warn of an ''extremely challenging'' time in the hospitality industry.

''Generally business is still hard-going in terms of the economy,'' Mr Davis said. ''We're doing well to maintain a little bit of a pick-up, but we're mindful of the fact that the economy is very tough.''

MWB said it had made a string of changes at boardroom level since reporting a £15.8m loss between July and December, and was preparing to embark on a drive to raise additional capital. The hotel business — which also includes the Hotel du Vin chain — lost more than £7.2m during the last six months of the year and took steps to reduce its debt by around £100m.

Thursday's statement to the markets said the firm is continuing its focus on reducing debt levels and raising capital.

However, it also pinpointed the announcement of the highly-anticipated Dundee site, at the former Tay Hotel, as a particular highlight.

Malmaison signed a 35-year operating lease with developer MEC Services earlier this year, with the new premises expected to create around 120 jobs.

Mr Davis said: ''Builders are on site and we are currently working on our internal designs for bedrooms and the restaurant and other public spaces.

''Dundee is our first new hotel for three years so, while we're still going to keep the same Malmaison feel, it will be very much today's look rather than the designs of a few year ago.

''It will still have the DNA of a Malmaison hotel, but of what one should be in the future.''

MWB also praised the Malmaison's new management team for their positive impact, including efforts to raise occupancy levels, room rates and earnings, whilst challenging costs.

''Their efforts to maximise occupancies and revenues and to manage the cost base are already making a difference,'' the MWB statement read.

Malmaison has also simplified its regional management structure.

Meanwhile, the group's Bistro du Vin restaurants will be sold after continuing to accumulate losses since launch nine months ago.

Some interesting points in this report . . . .

http://www2.jpscotland.co.uk/pdf/ScottishPropertyReview.pdf

Some interesting points in this report . . . .

http://www2.jpscotland.co.uk/pdf/ScottishPropertyReview.pdf
Not sure if I understand the second part of the statement from the report?:nuts:


"The industrial market in Dundee continues
to be difficult, despite a number of larger
requirements remaining unsatisfied."

I was walking down Crichton Street yesterday and saw that work has started on a new Mediterranean restaurant, looks pretty good.

video showing fly through of revised design of v and a is being played at dca at 12.45 this week

prepare to be a wee bit disappointed what we are getting is still nice but much more angular and a fair bit smaller than the original design and the video is too quick

The team behind the £1 billion regeneration of Dundee Waterfront is organising roadshows to raise awareness of investment opportunities and to highlight the rapid revitalization of the city’s former docklands and shipyards.

The roadshows are being held on Tuesday 19th June at a business breakfast in Edinburgh, hosted by the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland, followed by a lunchtime briefing in Glasgow hosted by commercial law firm Brodies.

The events are designed for investors, developers, entrepreneurs, financiers and professional advisers, such as commercial property agents, lawyers and accountants.

Dundee is currently undergoing a major transformation, spearheaded by the £1 billion Dundee Waterfront project, which spans 240 hectares of land stretching 8km along the River Tay.

Dundee Waterfront is the second largest regeneration project in Scotland and forms part of the UK’s top 20 regeneration schemes, along with the likes of the Olympic Park, Greenwich Peninsula and Wembley City.

The ambitious transformation plans have already attracted £300m of committed investment, including the new £45 million V&A at Dundee,
which will be an international centre for design and is due to open in 2015.

V&A at Dundee is alone expected to generate 500,000 additional visitors to the city during its first year, then settling at more than 300,000 annually.

Malmaison, the lifestyle hotel company, recently announced plans to open a 91 bed hotel in May 2013, creating 120 new jobs.

The City Council recently approved plans for a new £14m railway station, hotel, retail and office complex required to service the expected surge in investment and economic growth during the next five years.

Over 9000 new jobs are forecast to be created as a result of the wave of new investment in the city.

Mike Galloway, Director of City Development, who is leading the roadshow, said: "We have already secured more than £300m of investment, and are well ahead of schedule with our plans to transform the city.

“Looking ahead to the projected increase in investment, job creation and visitor numbers, it is clear Dundee is going to generate hundreds of millions of pounds of additional revenue. Dundee is well and truly open for business, and we hope these roadshows will encourage business owners to invest in the city."

A separate roadshow for Aberdeen is also planned for later in the year, followed by a series of targeted meetings in London and key regional cities.

Dundee Waterfront is split into five key strategic development sites – each targeted at a different property and economic sector – comprising:

Riverside (Green Space and Leisure)
The Port (Offshore Wind and Tidal manufacturing and processing)


Seabraes (Digital Media and Creative Industries)


Central Waterfront (Residential, Office and Leisure)


City Quay (V&A, Residential, Retail and Marina)


Other major investment projects currently underway include: the new Dundee Council HQ at Dundee House; the creation of a major flood prevention scheme to protect businesses and homes on the waterfront; and a programme of important road and infrastructure works.

Article Link: http://www.compropscotland.com/index.php/article/dundee_waterfront_regeneration_dundees_1_billion_project_goes_on_the_r

Just walked past the City Square, they`ve finally removed the obsolete building at the front of it:) We`ll now be able to get a decent view of the square and the Caird Hall in photographs.

I noticed that the Henrys Cofee House sign is up where the Twin Cities Cafe used to be., should open quite soon.

Was walking near the Perth Road earlier today and saw a tall crane structure positioned there. Anyone know what it is doing there?

Was walking near the Perth Road earlier today and saw a tall crane structure positioned there. Anyone know what it is doing there?

is it near the university tower because that is going to be reclad

How`s the refurbishment of the Art College getting on? Anyone have any photos?

Was walking near the Perth Road earlier today and saw a tall crane structure positioned there. Anyone know what it is doing there?

The Kwik Fit garage is being rebuilt.

From the Courier...

'Ambitious' study to look at airport upgrade to support Dundee's regeneration

Dundee Airport could be developed into a bigger transport hub as a result of an economic study to be carried out as a matter of urgency.

Infrastructure and Capital Investment Secretary Alex Neil told the Scottish Parliament on Thursday that excellent transport connections are vital to Dundee's regeneration and said maximising the city's opportunities from air services is a fundamental component.

He continued: ''The Scottish Government together with partners in Dundee is embarking on a joint economic study which will consider the opportunities for developing the city's air services, linking this with Dundee's regeneration, including the exciting waterfront and V&A development, and the wider potential impacts in Tayside and North Fife.

''The study will be open, objective and ambitious. It won't discount any potential options and in the interests of moving this forward without delay we aim to have conclusions available during the autumn.''

Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick, whose question prompted Mr Neil's statement, said: ''I was delighted to hear that the Scottish Government and partners are to conduct an impact study into what improvements will be required to Dundee's rail, bus, road and air services to accommodate the increased volume of passengers and traffic.

''The new V&A will be a big draw with visitors coming from all points of the UK and beyond to it. It has the potential to be one of the biggest attractions in Europe, let alone Scotland. We are expecting up to 500,000 additional visitors to Dundee.

''The regeneration of the city with new leisure and culture facilities, refurbished McManus Gallery, the DCA, Dundee Rep and new hotels such as the prestigious Malmaison hotel mean transport links will require to be improved.''

Dundee Airport is owned by HIAL, whose managing director Inglis Lyon said: ''The development of Dundee Airport, as part of the wider regeneration of the city's waterfront, is a long-held aspiration of HIAL and we welcome today's announcement by the Cabinet Secretary.

''It is a very positive sign of the Scottish Government's ambitions to develop air services from Dundee and we look forward to engaging with ministers and key city partners in this study.''

Alan Mitchell, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, said: ''This is very good news. It is obvious that with the exciting changes planned in Dundee and surrounding region and the extra visitors planned to come here, and also with the city being promoted as a major centre for renewables, you need a world-class transport infrastructure to support that world-class investment.

''It is important to support the airport to maximise the great asset we have got with it.''

'Ambitious' study to look at airport upgrade to support Dundee's regeneration

Fantastic . . . . . :banana:

A sneak preview of the designs for Nando’s, due to open
mid-August. http://buckleygrayyeoman.wordpress.com/category/restaurants/

A sneak preview of the designs for Nando’s, due to open
mid-August. http://buckleygrayyeoman.wordpress.com/category/restaurants/

liking this! :)

is it near the university tower because that is going to be reclad

Not significantly changing its appearance, I hope. It is, after all, quite an architecturally notable structure.

The sinage for the new Fastraxx Karting Arena is displayed on the building.

http://fastraxx.co.uk/

I was back in Dundee at the weekend and was impressed with the amount of work going on in the city.

In the city centre there are quite a few large developments; a whole block in Commercial Street (above Waterstones) is covered in scaffolding. I believe the block is being completely redeveloped into flats. The stonework is getting cleaned and repointed, the windows are being replaced and the interiors are getting completely redeveloped. I believe it is the same company that redeveloped the block at the bottom of Commercial Street into serviced apartments.
The former Matthews Chinese Supermarket in Gellatly Street has been completely knocked down and redeveloped. I think it is getting built as a supermarket with a built in Chinese restaurant. When I past on Saturday, the piles were being drilled into the ground.
The former Parky's Store is being redeveloped into a Turkish Bath/Dundee Academy of Beauty and flats are being built on top of the store. When I past on Saturday the store was being gutted and the steel structure of the flats was nearing completion. Parkys have moved to St Andrews Lane.

Asda took ownership of the old NCR factory this week, fences up at the gate, should start to see movement here soon!

Demolition of ramp (the one which swings past dock street) has begun...

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/News+Article/1525/Ramp+Demolition/?nid=1290

This will make a huge difference as it is the main barrier between the city and the waterfront

Demolition of ramp (the one which swings past dock street) has begun...

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/News+Article/1525/Ramp+Demolition/?nid=1290

This will make a huge difference as it is the main barrier between the city and the waterfront
I went past in the car just as the the ramp was being smashed to pieces. Felt like an historic moment.

Saw the photos in the Telegraph today of the ramp coming down, good stuff! Will take a wee wander down towards the end of the week for a nosey, once the work has been completed.

Still waiting for Tayside House to come down, now THAT will be an historic moment:cheers:

Some pics for the thread of the ramp demolition and movement regarding the Riverside Apartments. Looking forward to seeing this development taking shape. (Taken today 4/6/12)

The demolition is opening up the views and in a funny way, the removal of the concrete structures will provide more light and openess to the area. Another significant development in the waterfront development. However, the works were causing major delays on the Tay Road Bridge into Dundee, as warned. At one point the tailbacks stretched as far as the Fife side!

Here are the pics:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7339103304_326f0b79e3_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7339169200_6190893601_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7339098010_024b0d940f_b.jpg



Still waiting for Tayside House to come down, now THAT will be an historic moment:cheers:

I can't wait to see the process of tearing it down either. The progression of the demolition will provide some unique photo opportunities.

I know the demolition is imminent, but does anyone know any specifcs? I.E. is it starting in the summer? (I read demolition is meant to be complete by end of 2012). The reason is that I'd like to get some pics of it coming down.

Thanks for the photos Urban Life. Cant wait to see what it looks like . . .

Here are the sequence of works for Tayside house from Safedem.


The sequencing of the works and target completion dates are shown below
Soft stripping – removal of all internal fixtures and fittings – March 2012.
Asbestos Removal – carried out per HSE regulations – Mid February 2012
Removal of Footbridges – Marketgait - Mid January 2012
- Dock Street – End Feb 2012
Removal of Podium Block by hand and machine demolition – Mid April 2012
Deconstruction of Tayside House – December 2012
Processing and recycling of demolition materials arising – December 2012
Site Clearance – December 2012

Brilliant photees Urban Life

^^ Nice photos Urban Life - thanks for posting!

Does anyone know anything about the planned makeover for the Dundee Law?

What makeover is the Law getting?

Full planning application for the proposed V&A Dundee. The booklet is worth reading, its great to see things finally happening.

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=M53DHOGC68000&searchtype=WEEKLY

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=M53DHOGC68000&searchtype=WEEKLY

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg804/scaled.php?server=804&filename=vanda.png&res=landing

Where has the nice glass restaurant gone from the ground floor and all the sensuous curves. Reality has finally set in with the measly 27 million construction budget !

Urban Life's photees have inspired me to catalogue a few more developments happening in the city

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4942.jpg

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4944.jpg

new olympia, check out the stair to the flumes

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4932.jpg

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4931.jpg

ramp demolition

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4935.jpg


http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4934.jpg

DOJ extension

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4936.jpg

New bar / restaurant beside braes

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4937.jpg

New Indian Restaurant on the Nethergate

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4941.jpg

New flats and turkish baths on the Seagate

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4939.jpg

New Chinese supermarket site on Gellatly Street

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/CIMG4938.jpg

Cool DCA exhibition

Nice photos Rich!:)

The new building for the Centre for Translational and Interdisciplinary Research at the College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee has been awarded a rating of “Excellent” by BREEAM, the world’s leading design and assessment method for sustainable buildings.
BREEAM sets the standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation and is now one of the most comprehensive and widely recognised measures of a building's environmental performance.
A BREEAM assessment evaluates a building’s specification, design, construction and use. The measures used represent a broad range of categories and criteria from energy to ecology; these include aspects related to energy and water use, the internal environment (health and well-being), pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology and management processes.
Today, the Dean of Research Professor Mike Ferguson signed the £12.5 million contract that will allow construction on the new building to begin at the end of June 2012.
Prof. Ferguson said, ‘It’s great to have acknowledgement from BREEAM that the new building meets the international standard of excellence in terms of environmental design and sustainability. I’m delighted that our fundraising efforts over the past two years have finally come to fruition and that we will soon be starting work on the new building, which will provide research benefits for years to come.”

http://www.lifesci.dundee.ac.uk/news/2012/06/01/signing-new-building-ctir-rated-excellent-environmental-design-and-sustainability

Looks like Safedem have got the green light to carry on demolition of Tayside House last week.

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/23209/it-s-been-a-nightmare-shops-driven-to-the-edge-by-waterfront-roadworks.html

People complaining already.

Heard there was an article in the business section of fridays courier on the sale and prefered redevelopment of the old draffens / debenhams store in the nethergate. Corner plot, Mobens to be marketed as a foodie/ cafe outlet. I`d like to see a bit of money spent and development on the other side of whitehall st.

Encase you have forgotten what a beast the Wellcome Trust Building will become...http://www.lifesci.dundee.ac.uk/other/ctir/building.html

image gallery here...http://www.lifesci.dundee.ac.uk/other/ctir/gallery.html

^^^^^^

Thanks for the link (and the reminder!) Rich B. Is the extension now under construction? You're right, it does look pretty imposing. It will add more presence going past in the car.

Also thank you for your excellent photo update the other day! Great to see your photos documenting the changes in the city. :) Keep up the good work! :)

^^^^^^

Thanks for the link (and the reminder!) Rich B. Is the extension now under construction? You're right, it does look pretty imposing. It will add more presence going past in the car.

Also thank you for your excellent photo update the other day! Great to see your photos documenting the changes in the city. :) Keep up the good work! :)

Cheers Urban Life :cheers:

Major renovation of the DC Thomson buildings at 22 Meadowside. These are to include adding vista rooms to both buildings (1906 and 1959 buildings) and complete external and internal redevelopment.

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/findCaseFile.do?apptype=DC&appNumber=12/00349/LBC

Major renovation of the DC Thomson buildings at 22 Meadowside. These are to include adding vista rooms to both buildings (1906 and 1959 buildings) and complete external and internal redevelopment.

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/findCaseFile.do?apptype=DC&appNumber=12/00349/LBC

major renovation indeed

Great presentation from the lead designer of the V&A


http://www.creativedundee.com/2012/06/mauriziomucciola/

:)

Thank you S. Findlay, for the Maurizio Mucciola article, I feel a lot more enlightened about the project now . . . :)

Anybody going to the Torch celebrations tonight? I think the torch comes in over the Tay (and past the waterfront developments(on topic now :P )) before ending up at the Caird Hall and later Baxter Park. I saw it in Meigle today, fantastic, population of the place must have quadrupled to see the flame!

Olympic torch route, day 25: Dundee feels dandy amid its makeover beano Neil Forsyth says the Olympic torch will find an ambitious Dundee changing fast, both physically and psychologically

When the torchbearer carries the Olympic flame across the Tay Road Bridge, from Fife into Dundee, they'll enjoy one of the most scenic city outlooks in Britain. Dundee spreads across hills on the northern bank of the river which runs west to Perth and, to the east, opens into a vast estuary before the North Sea.

The torch will be carried through the city centre, past our triumphant Desperate Dan statue, then up to Baxter Park for evening celebrations. If they'd wanted to make the route more interesting, they could have headed to the city's eastern fringe, to Broughty Ferry, and sent them up Whinny Brae, our Kilimanjaro and surely the only working road in Britain closed to motorists after its steepness moved from a source of local wonder to official concern.

The torchbearer's route over the bridge is welcome because Dundee's riverside setting is often missed by the wider world. The Tay can flick from grey and turgid to smooth plates of blue, breached at low tide by sand flats bearing resting seals. Dolphins and, memorably, a whale whose skeleton hangs despondently in a local museum have been spotted.

Yet those travelling through Dundee can see nothing of this, kept instead to a grim sequence of dual carriageway and roundabouts that skirt the city's north-western corner. Even those who make it into Dundee are unlikely to see the waterfront – a natural bonus the city has bungled. Currently it hosts a swimming centre, the blank high-rise of Tayside House, and a chain hotel that most closely resembles a low-security prison.

All this is to go, however, marked for demolition in an impressive £1bn, 30-year project to reconnect the city to its squandered waterfront. Work is under way, and the new parkland-dominated area will be crowned by the only permanent Victoria & Albert museum outside London, housed in a beautiful design by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Physically, it's the largest transformation since they tore down the city walls – and, speaking as a 34-year-old Dundonian, it reflects a steady change in the city's mood.

Dundee has a newly confident artistic movement. There's the much-admired Dundee Rep Theatre, the ambitious Dundee Centre of Arts and The Space, a multipurpose venue that's home to the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance. Fledgling art collectives are dotted throughout the city, there's a busy music scene and an abundance of street poetry.

The city also accounts for 10% of the UK's digital-entertainment industry (Grand Theft Auto has its creative origins in Dundee), while DC Thomson continues to publish titles including the Beano and Dandy (see the aforementioned Desperate Dan statue).

Dundee may have a falling population, hovering above 140,000 from a 1972 high of 181,000, but the waterfront plans offer reinvention for a city often overlooked. Which it shouldn't be. It's a vibrant, surprising place characterised by a studied, surreal humour (the Desperate Dan statue?). As the wrecking ball swings, Dundee will soon have the surroundings it deserves.



Good article but a couple of comments, the population of Dundee according to the latest figures is on the rise. The drop from 181K to 140K, was this not mainly caused by the redrawing of the boundary, taking out places like Monifieth, Liff, Birkhill/muirhead, Invergowrie, Longforgan etc...

Monifieth has a population of 12,000 alone. This emphasis on a fall in the city's population is just bizarre. Without the change in the city's boundaries Dundee would have a population of about 170,000 I would guess.

Interesting article in the Courier today about the possibility of reopening Camperdown House as a venue for weddings, restaurant etc. Would be good to see it put to some regular use again, it`s quite an impressive building.



Edit : re the population thing, I`ve often wondered if the city boundaries will ever be redrawn again. Here`s hoping.

Wallace Craigie Works,

Article about a new £18m planning application by the Voigt Partnership in today's Courier. Application still not available to view but can be seen on Architect's website http://www.voigtpartnership.co.uk/project-gallery/housing/wallace-craigie-works-dundee/

This development really is HUGE

http://www.urbanrealm.com/news/3577/Wallace_Craigie_Works_planning_application_submitted.html

.
Trespass, as mentioned by someone a wee while ago, is closing down (up to 60% off all stock at the moment).

An application is in for change of use, to a coffee house.

Application 12/00327/FULL

Details at:-

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=M4KMSBGC08200

http://sites.google.com/site/webgaffer/home/uploaded-pics-page-1/Drawing-410855-1000.jpg

Does that mean the Burgh coffee house will be moving from Castle Street? Am I the only one who`s amazed at the number of coffee shops opening recently?


Walked past the new Antalia restaurant at the weekend (bottom of Crichton street), looks just about ready to open.

Does that mean the Burgh coffee house will be moving from Castle Street? Am I the only one who`s amazed at the number of coffee shops opening recently?


Walked past the new Antalia restaurant at the weekend (bottom of Crichton street), looks just about ready to open.

I'm amazed too, but they all seem to be busy.

Leading Scottish businesses are being encouraged to invest in the £1bn redevelopment of Dundee's waterfront.

The 30-year regeneration project is the second biggest of its kind in Scotland.

It aims to reconnect the waterfront with the city. The new £45m V&A Museum will form the centrepiece of the scheme.

The first in a series of roadshows aimed at raising awareness of investment opportunities takes place in Edinburgh and Glasgow later.

In April plans for a new railway station, hotel and office development were submitted to council planners as part of the latest phase of the waterfront project.

Those behind the transformation project have said it could lead to the creation of about 9,000 new jobs.

They are hoping to attract investment in the five key strategic development sites each targeted at a different business sector.

The roadshows are being held at a business breakfast in Edinburgh, hosted by the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland, and a lunchtime briefing in Glasgow hosted by commercial law firm, Brodies.

The events are designed for investors, developers, entrepreneurs, financiers and professional advisers, such as commercial property agents, lawyers and accountants.

Dundee's new V&A museum is due to open in 2015
Mike Galloway, director of city development, who is leading the roadshows, said: "We have already secured more than £300m of investment, and are well ahead of schedule with our plans to transform the city.

"Looking ahead to the projected increase in investment, job creation and visitor numbers, it is clear Dundee is going to generate hundreds of millions of pounds of additional revenue.

"Dundee is well and truly open for business, and we hope these roadshows will encourage business owners to invest in the city."

Similar roadshow events will be held in London and other key cities later in the year.

What's the biggest, Leith or Glasgow Harbour?

The 30-year regeneration project is the second biggest of its kind in Scotland.

It aims to reconnect the waterfront with the city. The new £45m V&A Museum will form the centrepiece of the scheme.

The first in a series of roadshows aimed at raising awareness of investment opportunities takes place in Edinburgh and Glasgow later.

In April plans for a new railway station, hotel and office development were submitted to council planners as part of the latest phase of the waterfront project.

Those behind the transformation project have said it could lead to the creation of about 9,000 new jobs.

They are hoping to attract investment in the five key strategic development sites each targeted at a different business sector.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-18494405

What's the biggest, Leith or Glasgow Harbour?

The wider clyde development including GH.

The clyde waterfront project maybe bigger, it goes all the way to Dumbarton or somewhere but isn't one succinct project, but more a general development of Glasgow including hospitals, social housing etc with a couple of foster's 'blobs' thrown in for good measure. In terms of the tangible difference which each project offers in terms of change of perception and the creation of a 'waterfront city' Dundee's development will prove to be far more beneficial in my opinion. Dundee's waterfront project must surely be the biggest re-engineering of a Scottish city centre since Edinburgh built its new town. Leith's waterfront plans have bitten the dust with renewable energy companies being set up instead.

Glasgow's stuff on the Clyde will be just as beneficial as Dundee's, it focusses on two areas much in need of huge investment, Dundee as a whole finally got the investment it needed and so did the sites of old ship building yards and docks along the Clyde.

The clyde waterfront project maybe bigger, it goes all the way to Dumbarton or somewhere but isn't one succinct project, but more a general development of Glasgow including hospitals, social housing etc with a couple of foster's 'blobs' thrown in for good measure. In terms of the tangible difference which each project offers in terms of change of perception and the creation of a 'waterfront city' Dundee's development will prove to be far more beneficial in my opinion. Dundee's waterfront project must surely be the biggest re-engineering of a Scottish city centre since Edinburgh built its new town. Leith's waterfront plans have bitten the dust with renewable energy companies being set up instead.

I would disagree.

Dundee's transformation actually looks like small in scale although I appreciate its transforming the area. Glasgow's regeneration is staggering in terms of scale. Entire inner city districts have been transformed and if it weren't for the remaining towerblocks, would be virtually unrecognisable. What used to be a land of ugly high rises, barron land and abandoned/under used industrial sites, is now quality communities. In some ways, it's still in the very early stages, with projects like Lauriston just beginning to take off and key developments like Tradeston still waiting in the future. Not to mention the complete redevelopment of the subway system. Glasgow's change is amazing.

I would disagree.

Dundee's transformation actually looks like small in scale although I appreciate its transforming the area. Glasgow's regeneration is staggering in terms of scale. Entire inner city districts have been transformed and if it weren't for the remaining towerblocks, would be virtually unrecognisable. What used to be a land of ugly high rises, barron land and abandoned/under used industrial sites, is now quality communities. In some ways, it's still in the very early stages, with projects like Lauriston just beginning to take off and key developments like Tradeston still waiting in the future. Not to mention the complete redevelopment of the subway system. Glasgow's change is amazing.

I am not disagreeing that Glasgow is being transformed in large areas, but these changes wont really alter the overall perception of the city in the way Dundee's Waterfront project will to Dundee. Glasgow has a much larger critical mass of a city centre so these changes wont affect the heart of the city. Dundee has one of Europe's finest geographical settings and is completely cut off from it hence its project will truly transform the entire city whilst the clyde in Glasgow has always been more accessible.

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/23439/anonymous-donor-pledges-multi-million-pound-support-for-dundee-v-and-a-museum.html

...but how much ?

Just says ''several million pounds''. Could be the donor asked for it to remain secret, or that they don`t want to reveal how much so that other parties will keep donating. Good news anyway:cheers:


Reading in the Tele tonight that Dundee`s going to compete for the 2017 UK City of Culture Award. Got to be in with a shout following the completion of the V&A.

That could only be a good thing, it's a new competition - Londonderry are the first to be crowned UK City of Culture for 2013, the second competition is the 2017 one.

[QUOTE=djmacdonald73;92564010]Just says ''several million pounds''. Could be the donor asked for it to remain secret, or that they don`t want to reveal how much so that other parties will keep donating. Good news anyway:cheers:

Mr Cox perhaps?

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o620/jaydot1/IMAG0165.jpg
Demolition work begins on the NCR factory

Just says ''several million pounds''. Could be the donor asked for it to remain secret, or that they don`t want to reveal how much so that other parties will keep donating. Good news anyway:cheers:


Reading in the Tele tonight that Dundee`s going to compete for the 2017 UK City of Culture Award. Got to be in with a shout following the completion of the V&A.

dundee will be up against aberdeen ,stoke and derby and you would have to fancy our chances

dundee will be up against aberdeen ,stoke and derby and you would have to fancy our chances

Good luck to Dundee for the UK City of Culture bid. Winning European City of Culture did no end of good for Glasgow and really pushed the city forward to bigger and better things. IMO Dundee has much more to offer than Stoke or Derby but I'm sure those cities will put up decent bids. Aberdeen is probably the competition but in terms of the impact it will have, Dundee is more deserving than Aberdeen.

http://scottishcities.wordpress.com/scotlands-cities/city-statistics/

Geoff Duke appointed as Director of Scottish Cities alliance.

£1bn Dundee regeneration bucks trend as City of Discovery fights economic gloom
Jun 21 2012 By James Moncur

THERE are plenty of reasons to be depressed at the moment – double dip recessions, unemployment figures, strike threats and the state of the NHS.
But shining in the gloom like a beacon of light is a huge success story that many would not have thought possible a decade ago.
Dundee is battling against the tide of melancholy sweeping the country as city chiefs push on with ambitious regeneration plans that are the envy of the rest of the UK.
And central to their £1billion scheme is the redevelopment of five miles of waterfront bordering the Firth of Tay.
The City of Discovery has established itself at the top table of construction projects joining London’s Olympic Park and the Wembley Scheme in the UK’s top 20. Investors and new businesses are queuing up to join the party.
The organisers of an economic summit in the city at the end of March had planned for 150 participants but had to add more tables and stands when more than 300 business people and fundraisers showed up. And the first in a series of roadshows aimed at raising awareness of Dundee’s investment opportunities took place in Edinburgh and Glasgow yesterday.

The jewel in Dundee’s future crown is the new £45million V&A Museum due to open in 2015. It will form the centrepiece of the regeneration project.
The city-wide development is the second biggest of its kind in Scotland and could create about 9000 jobs.
Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: “The new waterfront will be a place for people to live, work and enjoy their leisure time. The vision is starting to take shape with the completion of the first two stages of the project and work is well underway on phase three.”
Already major roads have been realigned, junctions improved and outdated overhead walkways taken down. The second stage saw the strengthening of the Dock Street railway tunnel to allow for a new grid street pattern.
So far, the third stage has seen the completion of a new multi-storey car park, and a storm tank to deal with surface water from the new road network and future buildings.
Work is underway replacing the ramps at the Tay Road Bridge and final design work is taking place on a new railway station concourse building.

Mike Galloway, Dundee City Council’s director of city development, said: “The redevelopment of the waterfront is a key priority for the city council and its partners.
"The project has widespread support within the city and we are determined to deliver on our ambitious vision for the future. Dundee is very much open for business and ready to compete on a global scale.”
Five distinctive development zones have been established in the city:
Riverside – The area is the main access to the city by road, rail and air. Leisure facilities include sports grounds and a 35-hectare nature park beside the Tay. Waterfront flats are being developed
Seabraes – As one of the UK’s largest centres for digital games and other creative industries, this part of the city is home to more than 350 businesses in the sector, with 3300 local jobs created, and a turnover of £185million a year.
Central Waterfront – As the location for the V&A at Dundee and Captain Scott’s ship RRS Discovery, this is the focal point of the
waterfront’s regeneration.
City Quay – A £204million redevelopment of the area’s 10.5 hectares included the redevelopment of historic jute warehouses.
Port of Dundee – With a planned investment of £92million, the port is a key strategic area in the regeneration.
Dundee is also looking to challenge Aberdeen in a bid to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2017.
Ken Guild, leader of the SNP administration who run the city council, said: “There are quite a number of things we are doing in Dundee at the moment which would make us a good contender with buildings like the V&A coming in.
“Then, consider the things we already have – the McManus Galleries, Dundee Rep theatre and two universities.”
Sir Mark Jones, former V&A director credited with bringing the museum to Dundee, added: “Being a city of culture has worked very well for other cities in the past and I think Dundee has a very strong claim.

Had a meal in the new restaurant Antalia last night - excellent food, highly recommend it. And got to see that the podium attached to Tayside House (and the walkway) are now totally demolished!

For anyone who wants to have a wee look at how Dundee looked over half a century ago from the air ....

Search Dundee at the following site;

http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/

Some interesting stuff about the old Overgate and harbour in this.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01k88mz/The_Great_British_Story_Dundee/

Shame they didn't cover any of the new developments though.

Cheers for those 2 links, pimtor and ForzaD.

I always thought that the royal arch stood close to where the road bridge hit the shore. In the photos, its just in front of the caird hall, which makes me wonder even more why they knocked it down.

Will have to go on the medieval Dundee walk at some point. . .

Nice looking smallish cruise ship in town today. . .

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/showallphotos.aspx?imo=9141807

Seems to have gone all quiet on the renewable companies front.....has anyone heard anything recently? Is there any kind of activity down in the port area?

Seems to have gone all quiet on the renewable companies front.....has anyone heard anything recently? Is there any kind of activity down in the port area?

Unfortunately there appears to be no concrete deals on the table and all the talk about Mitsubishi and Siemens was premature nonsense. Even Gamesa's deal to set up in Leith appears to be less watertight. I think there is just too much uncertainty with the economy and on the viability of this new industry for any firm commitments to be made just now. On the positive front there does still appear to be alot of interest in Dundee, and there was a conference recently in the city in an attempt to woo potential companies. My guess is that we wont hear anything anytime soon.

Work has begun on a £12.5m expansion to upgrade Dundee University's College of Life Sciences.

The Centre for Translational and Interdisciplinary Research (CTIR) is expected to create an additional 200 research posts at the university.

Construction work is scheduled for completion in the autumn of next year.

It is hoped the new centre will enhance the university's capacity in drug discovery, an area in which it claims to be one of the UK leaders.

Dundee University already has 1,000-plus scientists, research students and support staff from 62 countries working in the college.

Professor Michael Ferguson, dean of research in the College of Life Sciences, said the new facility would greatly enhance their work in a number of fields.

He said: "Universities are very good at innovation.

"What they haven't been quite so good at is developing the capability to translate that innovation into new medicines and applications.

"This new centre will help us provide that bridging point."

The CTIR will also allow the university to bring together specialists from a range of different disciplines, such as mathematical biology and biophysics, bioinformatics, data analysis and software development.

The development at the Al-Maktoum College for Higher Education is part of the institution's bid to attain university college status.

The three-storey building will include a community hall, prayer and worship areas for students and the wider community.

More than 70 jobs will be created during construction, which is due to start in September with completion expected next summer.

It is ten years since the centre for Islamic and Arabic studies was established in Dundee with the aim of promoting multiculturalism.

A plaque was unveiled at the college to mark the start of the development on Tuesday.

Mr Mirza Al-Sayegh, chairman of the Al-Maktoum Foundation, which is funding the project on land it owns near the existing College building, said: "This is a memorable moment in the life of the Al-Maktoum College in Dundee, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

"A mosque of the highest possible standard is to be built and the £1m development demonstrates our commitment to Dundee and to our aims to become a university college. The College has made great progress since it opened here and now it proudly enjoys an international reputation as a centre of academic excellence.

"We believe the new building, open to all and for the benefit of all, will prove to be a great addition to the College campus and Dundee as well. We regard this development as a contribution to the city and also to multiculturalism. It is a major undertaking and we thank Dundee City Council for its support, guidance and expertise in making this possible."

Dundee's Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: "I am pleased to see the start of this work which will help to boost our economy. We are looking forward to seeing this development progressing."


Artists impression shown in article link: http://news.stv.tv/tayside/110242-plans-unveiled-for-new-1m-community-mosque-at-college-in-dundee/

The development at the Al-Maktoum College for Higher Education is part of the institution's bid to attain university college status.

The three-storey building will include a community hall, prayer and worship areas for students and the wider community.

More than 70 jobs will be created during construction, which is due to start in September with completion expected next summer.

It is ten years since the centre for Islamic and Arabic studies was established in Dundee with the aim of promoting multiculturalism.

A plaque was unveiled at the college to mark the start of the development on Tuesday.

Mr Mirza Al-Sayegh, chairman of the Al-Maktoum Foundation, which is funding the project on land it owns near the existing College building, said: "This is a memorable moment in the life of the Al-Maktoum College in Dundee, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

"A mosque of the highest possible standard is to be built and the £1m development demonstrates our commitment to Dundee and to our aims to become a university college. The College has made great progress since it opened here and now it proudly enjoys an international reputation as a centre of academic excellence.

"We believe the new building, open to all and for the benefit of all, will prove to be a great addition to the College campus and Dundee as well. We regard this development as a contribution to the city and also to multiculturalism. It is a major undertaking and we thank Dundee City Council for its support, guidance and expertise in making this possible."

Dundee's Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: "I am pleased to see the start of this work which will help to boost our economy. We are looking forward to seeing this development progressing."


Artists impression shown in article link: http://news.stv.tv/tayside/110242-plans-unveiled-for-new-1m-community-mosque-at-college-in-dundee/




Nice building, if the artists impression is anything to go by. So where exactly is it getting built? Is it Blackness Road?

Nice building, if the artists impression is anything to go by. So where exactly is it getting built? Is it Blackness Road?

Not sure where it is, but this article has some photos and may help you recognise the area?

http://www.almi.abdn.ac.uk/2012/07/million-pound-mosque-for-al-maktoum-college-campus/

Not sure where it is, but this article has some photos and may help you recognise the area?

Corner of Blackness Rd and Bellfield st.

Cheers guys

‘Million for a Morgue’ campaign underway for Dundee anatomy centre

Urban Realm 11th July 2012

http://www.urbanrealm.com/images/news/news_3625.jpg

Several leading crime writers, led by Val McDermid, have joined forces to back the ‘Million for a Morgue’ campaign run by the University of Dundee.

This invites the public to vote for their favourite author, with the morgue being named after the most popular writer - currently Tess Gerritsen.

The fundraising effort is needed to erect a purpose built Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University, part of wider expansion plans for the College of Life Sciences.

Designed by Wellwood Lesley Architects the mortuary and laboratory facility will work on the identification of bodies both at home and abroad.

It will be integrated within the existing Medical Sciences Institute and be a centre for excellence in the process of Thiel embalming.

The University of Dundee has already pledged £1.5m toward the project and site clearance works have already been completed, meaning construction could start as soon as the £1m target is reached.

An additional £10m is required to develop the rest of the centre at a future date.

Separate plans to erect a £12.5m BMJ designed life sciences research base are already underway.

http://www.urbanrealm.com/news/3625/%E2%80%98Million_for_a_Morgue%E2%80%99_campaign_underway_for_Dundee_anatomy_centre.html

~o0o~

http://www.millionforamorgue.com/sites/all/themes/mfam/gfx/CentreExcel.jpg

~o0o~

Donate To Million For A Morgue Campaign (http://www.millionforamorgue.com/new-forensic-centre-of-excellence)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/linworkman/monster%20art/mummy300.jpg
'Cheers'

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/News+Article/1543/Miller+Homes+City+Quay+Dundee+Now+Open/?nid=1290

...and these mews houses at City Quay have started on site now I think http://www.unicornpropertygroup.com/residential/5/

Good to see more things happening down there

...and these mews houses at City Quay have started on site now I think http://www.unicornpropertygroup.com/residential/5/

Good to see more things happening down there

Wouldn't like to try and swing a cat in there. Their brochure talks of a 'good sized' master bedroom whilst it is clear from its drawings that it literally could not get any smaller whilst still having a double bed and enough space to open the door and access both sides.

Another case of this, I suspect:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46216000/gif/_46216562_houses_466_4.gif

Dundee University researchers given £11m by Wellcome Trust

BBC News 18th July 2012

http://www.dundee.ac.uk/externalrelations/photocompetition/exhibition/_lib/img/skyward.jpg

Research groups at Dundee University have been awarded more that £11m by the Wellcome Trust.

The charity, which is committed to supporting research into improvements in human and animal health, has split the funds between two teams.

The Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression has been given a £5.4m grant for its research into cell biology.

A grant of £5.4m was also awarded to help set up a Centre for Dermatology and Genetic Medicine.

The university said the funding was a strong investment from the Trust.

Professor Doreen Cantrell, head of the college of life sciences at Dundee, said: "These grants offer recognition of the outstanding basic and translational life sciences research that goes on in Dundee."

The Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression (GRE), led by Professors Angus Lamond and Julian Blow, was established in 2008, and claims to be one of the leading research centres studying the cell biology of gene expression and chromosome biology.

Prof Lamond said the £5.4m would support and develop their expertise in a number of essential fields including microscopy, mass spectrometry and proteomics.

He said: "I am delighted that the Wellcome Trust will be funding another five years of our research.

"This is clear recognition of the work that all our researchers and support staff in GRE have done over the past five years to form a centre for research excellence in gene regulation and expression here in Dundee.

"The grant will allow us to continue our ground-breaking research and world class technological infrastructure."

Professor Irwin McLean is leading the team behind the new Centre for Dermatology and Genetic Medicine.

He said the Wellcome grant could shorten the time it will take to bring new skin disease therapies into clinical use.

Prof McLean said: "We are enormously grateful to The Wellcome Trust for awarding this strategic grant in recognition of the strong international reputation of the Dundee skin science groups in identifying the causes of skin diseases and developing new medicines for inherited skin disorders."

"This award, to establish the Centre for Dermatology and Genetic Medicine, will allow us to rapidly expand our capability to find the causes of the remaining unsolved skin conditions using cutting edge genome sequencing technology and to expand our dermatology drug discovery programme.

"Importantly, this large injection of funding will shorten the time to take our new therapies closer to clinical use."

The award will fund eighteen new research posts, 15 of them full-time positions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-18883942

New £60million five-star hotel and golf development at Forbes of Kingennie - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-18900009

Also heard rumours of a small cinema coming to the Wellgate. Fingers crossed.

Just read the snippet in the online "Tele" about the plans for the Wellgate, seems like a good solution - cinema, restaurants and leisure facilities.

Could be what`s needed to turn the centre round as it`s never going to complete with the Overgate. Kind of like the Omni Centre through in Edinburgh (albeit it on a less grand scale!)

Would imagine a city centre cinema would put serious strain on Odeon and Cineworld though.

If it was a small cinema I don`t imagine it would put that much of a strain on the 2 big cinemas.

There used to be a small 1-screen cinema there, think it was "The Steps"?

I was in the Wellgate last week and it is looking very tired and dated - not to mention all the vacant units. It needs a radical overhaul, not just some cosmetic tinkering so it will be interesting to see details of any plans. Personally I'd prefer it demolished and returned to being an open street like it was originally. That won't happen though!

.
The Steps Theatre is still in place and in use. See the comments at:-

http://retrodundee.blogspot.co.uk/2009/02/steps-theatre-1979.html

for some background info. Here's the latest (29 November 2009) comment there -


ian said...

It is a going concern, still used by the libraries for conferences and Dundee archive film nights. Just video projection sadly,35mm projectors are in Dunoon. It's had a revamp but unfortunately that included removing the green jute wallpaper which actually gave it near perfect acoustics.


There's also info at:-

http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/library/stepstheatre

It's mentioned in the Retro comments that the opening of the Odeon at the Stack affected audience numbers. I also suspect that shows that COULD be done at the Steps are funnelled towards the DCA.

.
A company that manufactures equipped for the oil and gas industry has announced nearly £1m of investment for Dundee.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-18900015

.
A company that manufactures equipped for the oil and gas industry has announced nearly £1m of investment for Dundee.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-18900015



Nice. Any idea where they`re based?

Pressurefab are based in Wright Avenue, close to Dundee airport and the "nature reserve".



Dundee V&A project seeking European Regional Development Fund support
Dundee's branch of the V&A could benefit from a multi-million pound cash injection from Europe.

V&A Museum project plan formally submitted — with only a slight hitch
Negotiations are under way to secure between £3 million and £4 million of European Union (EU) funding for the £45 million centre of design, set to open on the banks of the Tay in 2015.

The money would be allocated from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which helps support economic regeneration in EU member states.

The Scottish Government is backing the V&A team in their application, although no timescale has yet been established for the bid.

If the application is successful, the money will bring the project a step closer to its £45 million price tag.

The Scottish Government has already pledged to cover one-third of the cost, as well as providing millions of pounds of revenue funding for running and design costs, and earlier this year the development qualified for £9.2 million of cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The ERDF cash forms part of the remaining £15 million to be raised from public and private sources.

Will Dawson, the city council's development convener, noted the ERDF has benefited a number of recent schemes in Dundee.

He said: ''The ERDF has put £2.2 million towards the new station concourse and the transport hub there, and also the business incubator scheme down at Seabraes.

''The college and universities have both benefited from the ERDF over the last few years, and it's also fed into our partnerships such as BioDundee and the Stobswell regeneration project.''

A spokesman for the V&A at Dundee said: ''We are in the application stage for European funding and are progressing with help from the Scottish Government. This is a process that does take a considerable amount of time.

''We are continuing to develop the funding which will support the project, speaking to government, public bodies and sources of private investment, including trusts and foundations.''

[QUOTE=ForzaD;93421652]New £60million five-star hotel and golf development at Forbes of Kingennie - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-18900009

I think this is great news, a 5 star hotel and championship golf course a stone's throw from dundee is another great shot in the arm to the local economy, plus Wellbank is a bit dour in my opinion and will be greatly improved by this development, rather than the opposite situation in Aberdeenshire where a stunning bit of coastline will be ruined. The design for the hotel 'The Angus' is also very contemporary and fans out in three wings, one pointing to St Andrews, one to Carnoustie and the other to Dundee, and not the usual pastiche 'scottish castle' crap architecture which you would expect.

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Angus/article/24019/at-the-epicentre-of-scottish-golf-grand-plans-for-new-angus-resort-near-wellbank.html

With regards to the golf course - can't complain about £60m local investment!

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/24070/podium-block-demolition-restores-a-view-not-seen-for-40-years.html

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/24083/dundee-karting-arena-trying-to-manage-demand-ahead-of-opening.html

Do you know what the full story is for the wellgate?

http://www.sdi.co.uk/news/2012/08/scotland-showcases-its-creative-talent.aspx

Scotland showcases its creative talent

Scotland showcased its creative talent to an audience of creative companies from around the world last night at a business event to help develop new business opportunities around the London 2012 Olympics.

Around 100 attendees were expected to attend the event at Scotland House, hosted by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland.

Using innovative technology to display the diverse nature of Scotland’s creative sector, attendees were able to try out new mobile apps developed by Scottish companies, take a virtual tour of the new V&A at Dundee and see some of Scotland’s latest fashion designs.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, who is speaking at the Scotland House event, commented, “Scotland is known the world over as a place of creativity and innovation and we boast a wealth of talent.

"As well as being Olympic year, 2012 is our Year of Creative Scotland, when we are highlighting and celebrating our nation’s cultural and creative strengths. This event is a fantastic showcase of our outstanding creative industries, a sector which generates significant benefits for our economy.”

Also speaking at the event, Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said, “The Olympics has a long tradition of celebrating culture and creativity alongside sporting success, so it is fitting that tonight we are taking some time to celebrate Scotland’s creative industries.

“That’s why showcases such as these are important to raise the profile of the talent that exists in Scotland and to forge new relationships that could have a positive impact economically as well as culturally.”

The event also highlighted some impressive facts about Scotland’s creative industries, which overall are worth £3.2 billion to Scotland’s economy. These include:

•Scotland ranks third in Europe’s top 50 games development locations with over 50 games companies developing some of the world’s leading titles including Crackdown, the Grand Theft Auto series and Minecraft on Xbox 360, which on launch in May broke all Xbox 360 digital sales records, surpassing three million sales.
•Scottish textiles exports are worth £295 million and there continues to be high demand from overseas markets like Russian, China and Japan for luxury cashmere and Harris tweed
•Scotland has the highest level of film, TV and animation production in the UK outside of London, with more than 100 production companies and 300 facilities companies, with a combined turnover of £1.2 billion

This vibrant gaming and independent TV production landscape has recently benefited from major industry players endorsing Scotland as their location of choice. Companies such as Serious Parody, Shed Productions and Editworks have committed to expanding their Scottish operations.

In May this year, development studio Serious Parody raised over £1 million in investment to expand the studio’s games portfolio. This funding was to allow the company to establish a new dedicated studio, based in Dundee and recruit 18 new members of staff.

Serious Parody raised the majority of the money from private investors, with a further £230,000 coming from a Scottish Enterprise Regional Selective Assistance grant.

Editworks Scotland is a leading Scottish post production facility based at Pacific Quay, Glasgow. It announced in early July that it is expanding its operation and investing £200,000 in new editing and audio suites that will create 8 further jobs at its Glasgow headquarters.

The company has secured £68,000 of additional Regional Selective Assistance funding from Scottish Enterprise to support its expansion and commitment to create new jobs.

The company opened its operation at The Hub in Glasgow’s Digital Media Quarter in 2010, close to STV’s and the BBC’s headquarters. Amongst the first shows to be edited in Scotland as a result of its launch at The Hub were ‘Eggheads’ and the National Lottery Show ‘In It To Win It’. Since then, the company has continued to develop and forge strong relationships with local television production companies.

Last August, Shed Productions announced that it was relocating Waterloo Road to Glasgow, providing a huge boost to the sector in Scotland. It is projected this will generate almost £25 million in direct investment and up to 230 jobs.

Shed Productions CEO, Eileen Gallagher, told the Scotland House audience of her experiences of moving a production to Scotland, and added:

“Moving Waterloo Road to Scotland took a huge amount of effort but it couldn't have gone more smoothly thanks to the support we received from Scottish Enterprise and Inverclyde Council. The show looks better than ever thanks to the hard work of a talented Scottish workforce.

“Scotland is a great home for creative businesses and we are delighted to be part of the Scottish creative revolution.”

Caroline Parkinson, Director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland, said, “Scotland House and the Olympic Games present an important platform to showcase our Creative Industries in London to national and international audiences, in this the Year of Creative Scotland 2012.

Scotland’s textiles industry supports over 7,000 jobs in Scotland and generates an annual turnover of £678 million, we are delighted to be showcasing 10 of our top fashion and textile designers in London.“

not sure why AIM's involvement is district 10 has come to a halt...http://www.urbanrealm.com/news/3654/Shortlist_finalised_for_Dundee%E2%80%99s_%E2%80%98District_10%E2%80%99_.html

Dundee has been chosen to house one of only 4 e-health research centres in the UK.

19 million pounds is being invested into establishing the centres of excellence - with London, Manchester and Swansea the other areas to benefit.

They'll open later this year with the aim of improving patient care and public health.

Experts will investigate a range of conditions that place a huge burden on the population including diabetes, obesity and cancer.

Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said:

“Thanks to the NHS and the UK’s world-leading research base, we are uniquely positioned to use patient data to study disease and develop better treatments.

"The e-health centres are the first of their kind and have the potential to revolutionise health research.

"They will provide a vital insight into conditions affecting millions of people and ultimately bring benefits for patients.”

Professor Sir John Savill, chief executive of the MRC, says:

"This is a watershed moment for data research and for the Medical Research Council which I believe will deliver the benefits of e-health research, improving patient care over the coming years.

"The way in which the partner organisations have come together to invest in e-health underpins its importance and will help establish the UK as a world leader in this field.”

Professor Andrew Morris, Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Dundee and Chief Scientist at the Scottish Government Health Department added:

“Colleagues in Scotland are thrilled to be awarded Centre of Excellence status.

"This builds upon over 40 years experience of using electronic patient records not only to drive improvements in the quality of health care in Scotland, but also to innovate in the way we deliver clinical trials and discover the best treatment options for patients and communities.

"The spirit of collaboration between NHS Scotland and the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and Strathclyde has been tremendous.

"There is a great opportunity to make the United Kingdom the destination of choice of eHealth research, and in doing so help deliver the best quality health care to the people of Scotland."

http://www.frigateunicorn.org/ship-at-risk/a-dundee-opportunity

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/24244/bid-to-see-unicorn-home-and-dry-with-prominent-berth-on-dundee-waterfront.html

Would be great to see this happening

Would be great having the Unicorn there. Really hope this is done.

http://vimeo.com/46872244

Makes so much sense to bring the Firgate Unicorn round to the main waterfront, I would hate for it to be forgotten!

Nice video, I love the trees in the building!

I can't see too many yachts etc using that dock, so would be good to have the Unicorn there and make it even more pictresque (rather than empty and windswept).

Totally agree, having the Unicorn there would make for an amazing "centrepiece". I`ve been a bit worried that it was going to just get fogotten about, sitting where it was.

Great video!

.
Hi mediadave.

You typed,
I can't see too many yachts etc using that dock, so would be good to have the Unicorn there and make it even more pictresque (rather than empty and windswept).

In the first post on page 22 of this thread, I typed,
Hi SeoulDee.

Quote:
I seem to remember hearing that the marina is being moved east of the originally planned location due to some technical reason. I'm not sure where exactly the marina is planned to go now.

The problem was that way back when the initial proposals were being formulated, it is said that nobody thought to ask people, who know about the river, about the marina idea.

When the original 3D view was published (see below), the council was told by these people (who were/are regular users of the river) that it wouldn't work because it appeared that the council hadn't realised that the Tay is tidal and the wee boats would be lying in silt, unable to move, when the tide continued to go out twice day without asking the council if that would be ok with them...

As far as I'm aware, Camperdown Dock is now being researched as a possible marina location.

The latest graphics show the area (that had been marked for a marina) as open with a "water feature", which looks like a large puddle. I agree that it would make more sense to bring the two vessels (Unicorn and North Carr) from Victoria Dock to this area, so the three 'Dundee' vessels are all in the same central location, with the V&A as their anchor.

And as for the Camperdown Dock marina....
Won't it be a wonderful location, with the proposed waste incinerator immediately adjacent?

Would be great having the Unicorn there. Really hope this is done.

Unfortunatley the council don't seem to like the idea
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/24244/bid-to-see-unicorn-home-and-dry-with-prominent-berth-on-dundee-waterfront.html

" A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: ''There are no plans for a proposal of this kind in the development of the central waterfront. However, we are in ongoing discussions with the preservation trust about potentially suitable locations elsewhere within the wider waterfront project"

.
" A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: ''There are no plans for a proposal of this kind in the development of the central waterfront. However, we are in ongoing discussions with the preservation trust about potentially suitable locations elsewhere within the wider waterfront project"

The problem is that both councillors and "council officials" (eg planners) HATE to admit that anyone can have a better grasp of things than they do. I saw this consistently through my dealings with the council as a Community Councillor for the City centre area between 2005 and 2010.

They have a total belief in their own infallibility - and that's not a political statement. It seems to affect all colours of politics. Once they're in power, they must be there because they know best, iye?

"The council" does not have a monopoly on good ideas. It would be a good idea if they actually listened to their electors (and acted) sometimes.

Look at the change in attitude towards the station area. 5 years ago there was no chance that anything like what is proposed would have been countenanced. Why, now, does the station merit attention?

Maybe public pressure will get them to rethink their philosophy on buses using the south (westbound) boulevard. To me, in seems ludicrous that local buses will NOT stop outside the V&A.

End of rant (for the moment...).

I like how if The Unicorn went in the marina it would line up nicely with the Caird Hall and the new city centre park, as well as forming a triangle with the V&A and the Discovery.

I believe that there should now be another international design competition to allow world class designers to make sense of the rather uninviting looking open spaces which are a result of a DCC masterplan. The design should allow for a a new dry dock for the unicorn and a visitor centre, provide shelter in the green space and reduce the impact of cars on what Townie Tam quite rightly describes as 'the puddle'. Personally I would like to see the land where the water feature is proposed, to be extended out into the tay like the V and A site so it is not so hemmed in by traffic. Also, why not put the Unicorn in a dry dock in the central green space to really animate it and give it some wow factor.

.... why not put the Unicorn in a dry dock in the central green space to really animate it and give it some wow factor.

I disagree with the idea of putting the Unicorn in the green space. Also not happy that the V&A will land lock the Discovery.

I feel it really takes something away from the imagination when you can't picture sailing either of thes ships out into the Tay and heading for the sunrise.

I like the idea of the Unicorn on the launching pad in the water feature and i'd prefer if when they done the V&A, that they have some 'water gate' to bridge the Discovery with the Tay.

think the cutty sark looks pretty cool here...http://www.londonhistorians.org/?s=news

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=cutty+sark+dry+dock&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=685&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=zwsv9_Fm71z_xM:&imgrefurl=http://www.jcm.org.uk/blog/2007/05/the-cutty-sark/&docid=Zj2BX2PdgAsFtM&imgurl=http://jcm.org.uk/pics/cuttysark.jpg&w=438&h=297&ei=3EEiUIXaFaXP0QX5gIHYCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=500&vpy=290&dur=170&hovh=185&hovw=273&tx=151&ty=124&sig=106843677963951666359&page=2&tbnh=147&tbnw=196&start=17&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:17,i:192

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/projects/1369/Dundee+Rail+Station/

Was looking at the updated masterplan which shows the crescent form and was impressed how it ties together the curve of the Tay Hotel with the V and A (discovery axis)

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/Central+Waterfront+Plot+Map/

I'm a fan of the new station (kinda) in that it should be big and grand and that the crescent shape is apt.

One thing that puzzles me with the overall plan is the number of hotels. Clearly Hilton will probably replace the current one in plot 7. There is already the newish Holiday Inn along with the Apex. The station is going to incorporate one, Malmaisson will be opening, and there's two others planned for Customs House and Greenmarket.

We must be expecting a helluva lot of tourists!

I'm a fan of the new station (kinda) in that it should be big and grand and that the crescent shape is apt.

One thing that puzzles me with the overall plan is the number of hotels. Clearly Hilton will probably replace the current one in plot 7. There is already the newish Holiday Inn along with the Apex. The station is going to incorporate one, Malmaisson will be opening, and there's two others planned for Customs House and Greenmarket.

We must be expecting a helluva lot of tourists!

Dundee does not have a lot of hotel rooms, any time there is an event on, visitors to our office struggle to get rooms, this happens quite regularly!

.
Hi Rich B.

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/proj...+Rail+Station/

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/uploads/imageProcessor/within/600_600/1547.jpg

I see a double-decker there. It's obviously not using any projected bus stop outside the station, otherwise it wouldn't be in that lane. In fact, no 'travel interchange' (as mentioned by planners in the recent past) is shown in the station area. The fact that the bus is in that lane would indicate that it has come from either Riverside Drive or the westbound boulevard nearer the river.
As Mike Galloway has said that buses will use Dock Street, not the westbound boulevard, this is another example of illustrations of the central waterfront being a tad misleading - which started with the continually updated video that shows cars using the Dock Street bus lanes!

I know it will never happen but a radical rethink is required on how public transport will access the V&A, etc.

Hi again, Rich B.

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/Cent...ront+Plot+Map/

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/site/modules/Page/view/Basic/Common/images/PlotMap.jpg

This graphic is misleading as well. Although it depicts the approved V&A building, it shows the old ferry harbour, which is Discovery's home, as it always has been, ie water-filled.
As we all know, it's to be paved over to form the pedestrian access to the V&A.
Why do they persist in these inaccurate depictions?

This plan also illustrates why the only buses that could possibly use the westbound boulevard will be those coming from the Broughty Ferry direction, along East Dock Street. The buses coming out of Commercial Street can only use the Dock Street bus lane. You may recall that the originally approved masterplan had a roundabout at the foot of Commercial Street, which would have allowed buses access to the westbound boulevard.

Hi, Townie,

The masterplan is almost accurate, not exactly though. Kengo Kuma has changed his design for the V and A plaza in the planning drawings and has kept much of the dock as it currently is, but there is a slight reduction to the amount of open dock. With regards to the bus shown on the photoshopped station image that would have been done by a designer at NRS who probably didn't give what he/she was drawing much thought, except to make the station look as good as possible. Personally I am not bothered by the lack of integrated transport hub as Dundee never gets that busy, and think the Seagate would suffer a big blow if the bus station was moved. I am much more concerned about how the open spaces are dealt with and how the Unicorn is properly integrated into the wider project.

With regards to the park square, it's sort of half dark green/ half light green; does the top dark bit open in May 2013 or something differant?

Absolutely great innovations and Digital technologies towards the games industry from Abertay really jealous and wish Glasgow would do somthing similar down @ Pacific Quay. :)


2dkMB2LgkAU

Personally I am not bothered by the lack of integrated transport hub as Dundee never gets that busy, and think the Seagate would suffer a big blow if the bus station was moved. I am much more concerned about how the open spaces are dealt with and how the Unicorn is properly integrated into the wider project.

I visit a lot of cities home and abroad, and the common first impression I have when getting into these cities is the train station itself, the location it is in, and finally where I go from there. If it's a trek across a town I do not know to find a bus ah'm pissed off, if the bus station is integrated into the train station, i ponder to myself why any city would be so daft as to have it any other way!

Good to see something is final going to be done about the large amounts of derelict buildings within the city centre, and hopefully something is done with buildings such as the old kings theatre on Panmure street, the former hotel on the high street with KFC and Gerggs the bakers on the ground floor, also the S&D Properties group building on Meadowside and mills such as Queen Victoria works on Brook Street. These buildings are all in great need of repair and use!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-19208186

http://www.cntraveller.com/news/2012/august/dundee-waterfront-transformation :)

I see there is some working being done on the old Blue Note Bistro at 181 Perth Road. Does anyone know what's going on here?

So with Aberdeen Councillors throwing out Sir Ian Wood's ambitious Union Terrace Garden project, it must surely now be a 'shoe in' ? that Dundee takes the accolade of UK city of culture 2017. :)

So with Aberdeen Councillors throwing out Sir Ian Wood's ambitious Union Terrace Garden project, it must surely now be a 'shoe in' ? that Dundee takes the accolade of UK city of culture 2017. :)

Controversial! Lol

I see there is some working being done on the old Blue Note Bistro at 181 Perth Road. Does anyone know what's going on here?

I may as well answer my own question. There's a poster in the window which says "Tay Fry Inn Opening Soon". So I assume it's a chippy. Hopefully it'll be a classy sit down place, like The Deep Sea, rather than some greasy takeaway. There hasn't been a chippy in that part of town for more than ten years so it's good news.

To be situated next to the Tescos at the new casion development. Think it will be called Marco Polos grille room

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=M8WPTXGC68000. Should be good

Sorry for the poor quality but took these pics with my ipad today, the 27th August. Awful weather but had a wonder over to the old Olympia to see what I could see from up there.

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u379/jungleboy_steve/Dundee%20Waterfront/0c5991db.jpg
Not long until this old brute starts to come down.


http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u379/jungleboy_steve/Dundee%20Waterfront/b5fbc0db.jpg
There were a lot of workmen in the Tay hotel clearing it out.


http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u379/jungleboy_steve/Dundee%20Waterfront/471670b3.jpg
Nice to see that onramp has gone and all the great buildings that have been hidden away behind it have been revealed.


http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u379/jungleboy_steve/Dundee%20Waterfront/592a89d1.jpg
The back of the Caird Hall.


http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u379/jungleboy_steve/Dundee%20Waterfront/efb4db4c.jpg
Lots of activity in front of the train station too.

Here's a photo of the new Olympia Pool, looks great.

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u379/jungleboy_steve/Dundee%20Waterfront/856dbec9.jpg

cheers for the photos steve

Good article in Urban Realm ...http://www.urbanrealm.com/blogs/index.php/2012/08/22/the-dragon-and-the-leopard-why-ian-wood-s-plan-failed?blog=16

Good article (apart from the 'one shoe' jibe, it's chanted by the Dundee teams not at).


Dundee really excels with culture, DCA has been a success story, and I really like the McManus galleries, the V&A will really add to that.

.
Hi R.K.Teck.

McManus in the news:-

'There's a magic' — opening of Da Vinci exhibition 'a boon' for Dundee

An exhibition of 10 of Leonardo da Vinci's finest drawings, going on show from today, promises to make Dundee ''the finest venue for art in Scotland,'' experts say.

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/img/photos/biz/photo_21660_wide_crop.jpg

The touring collection, at the McManus Galleries, will push the city to the forefront during its stay, according to Martin Clayton, senior curator of prints and drawings at the Royal Collection Trust.

Speaking at a preview of the exhibition, he said: ''The collection's been about two years in the planning. We approached Dundee and they snapped our hands off because they are some of the greatest drawings in western art.

''It's really an opportunity to get to grips with Leonardo. I hope this will be a boon to Dundee. It will make Dundee for a few months the finest venue for art in Scotland.''

Full story at:-

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/24682/there-s-a-magic-opening-of-da-vinci-exhibition-a-boon-for-dundee.html

8=)

Photo gallery on the Courier website :

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/Photos/Our-galleries/slideshow/353/malmaison-breathes-new-life-into-the-tay-hotel.html#.UETgC9ft0SU.facebook

.
Also:-

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/24696/mathers-family-give-their-blessing-to-tay-hotel-s-malmaison-rebirth.html

and

http://sites.google.com/site/webgaffer/home/tay-hotel

Its worth a shot...http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/minister-for-sport-shona-robison-msp-i-want-you-to-bring-the-national-football-academy-to-dundee

Good article on waterfront project with bq magazine

http://www.bq-magazine.co.uk/success-story/scot/sc8-ss2/

VERY good article, enjoyed reading that. Completely agree with the last statement :

"Then there is the Tesco conundrum.The supermarket chain has a store on the waterfront with a sprawling car park and petrol station.

It would be in keeping if they could look at something more aesthetically fitting for Dundee’s ambition."

VERY good article, enjoyed reading that. Completely agree with the last statement :

"Then there is the Tesco conundrum.The supermarket chain has a store on the waterfront with a sprawling car park and petrol station.

It would be in keeping if they could look at something more aesthetically fitting for Dundee’s ambition."

Totally agree about Tescos.

I also like the fact that MG lets slip in the interview that the anonymous V&A donation was for £2 million and that they plan a marina for city quay

Yeah, having that big Tesco there is going to partially ruin the asthetic of the new Waterfront. And it`s such a prime location for, say, a decent-sized exhibition centre.

Problem is, Tesco seem to have Dundee City Council COMPLETELY in their back pocket. And there`s no way Tesco would ever voluntarily give up that site, especially considering the projected increase of visitors to the area:ohno:

Excellent news if the marina plans go ahead though. On a sidenote, was down at the train station today - I noticed LOADS of young trees lined up just past where the old taxi rank was - anyone know what they`re for?

.
The 'news' about the marina in the City Quay area isn't really that new. I mentioned it on page 22 of this forum in 2009.

We were told, at a meeting of the City Centre & Harbour Community Council some years ago, that the possibility of creating a marina at Camperdown Dock was being explored.

I've mentioned subsequently in this forum that, to me, it is ludicrous to be exploring the idea of creating a marina in Camperdown Dock, whilst also considering installing a waste incinerator immediately adjacent to to the proposed marina.

See pages 22 and 90 for previous mentions.

.
The 'news' about the marina in the City Quay area isn't really that new. I mentioned it on page 22 of this forum in 2009.

We were told, at a meeting of the City Centre & Harbour Community Council some years ago, that the possibility of creating a marina at Camperdown Dock was being explored.

I've mentioned subsequently in this forum that, to me, it is ludicrous to be exploring the idea of creating a marina in Camperdown Dock, whilst also considering installing a waste incinerator immediately adjacent to to the proposed marina.

See pages 22 and 90 for previous mentions.

totally agree with the above

with regards to tescos i worked on a new mixed use development for that site including a new tescos in 2006 but it came to nothing but maybe with the increased activity down there it may be more profitable now for tescos to make better use of the site. ihoped dcc would have used the asda situation as a bargaining tool for riverside

I dont think tescos will ever move from that site, especially now with the increased and exciting developments about to happen around it. Just have to tell them to change the exterior design to something more befitting to the location.
This has to be done before DDC provides a bridge over the railtracks enabling ever greater numbers of students to use the store.

There is no chance in hell that Tesco will move.

There is no chance in hell that Tesco will move.

no but they may just build something like this...http://www.mansonarchitects.co.uk/projects.asp?type=mixeduse&projectid=174&img=3

Having spent a lot of money on a major refurb of the store just two years ago I don't see Tesco rebuilding or relocating any time soon. Only major incentives from DCC would make them change their mind.

and now they are trying to get rid of dundee east from the electorial map...http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-19569684

and now they are trying to get rid of dundee east from the electorial map...http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-19569684



I knew nothing about this till I read it in the Telegraph last night, I saw a headline about Dundees boundaries being redrawn and though, "Ah finally, they`re going to give us back Longforgan, Monifieth etc", but alas no :ohno:

The city boundary is not changing, it is the electoral.....however still not happy with this. There is supposed to be a public consultation but no indication of where you can air your views? :(

A revamp of Dundee City Square is set to cost £2.2 million, the council has confirmed.

If the go-ahead for the plans is given at next week's meeting of the city development committee, Tayside Contracts will start work on the project in January and aim to finish in July.

The environmental improvements will be carried out in two phases, each covering half of the square.

New paving will be laid and a new drainage system installed, along with waterproofing to the slabs over the council's underground garage.

Wall-mounted lights will replace lamp standards and there will be landscaping work.

The project will also see the replacement of the steps and wheelchair ramp to Caird Hall and the installation of new water and electrical supply surface ground boxes to allow market stalls to use the square more easily.

City development convener Will Dawson said the work is needed to bring the heart of the city up to the standard of the nearby waterfront redevelopment.

He explained: ''With the massive amount of work going on around the city, particularly at the new Malmaison Hotel and elsewhere on the waterfront, it is important that other prominent parts of the centre are equally attractive for visitors and local people.

''City Square has always been a gathering place and with these planned improvements, which will also provide upgraded facilities for market stalls like the successful monthly farmers' market, I am sure that it will attract even more people who want to sit, chat and enjoy the atmosphere.

''As well as the environmental improvements, the important nature of these works will also safeguard the square for future generations through improved drainage and work on waterproofing the roof of the underground garage."

The council has been planning to upgrade City Square since the start of the year, when it announced its proposal to put lights on Caird Hall and other surrounding buildings.

In April, councillors approved a £25,000 plan to demolish the gazebo at the northern end of the square.

personally i think that money would be better spent going towards a new dry dock for the unicorn or making the station design better

Interesting application lodged this week . . . its a huge site when viewed on the plan.

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=MALHG9GC08200

12/00362/PAN | PAN in relation to Application for Planning Permission in Principle for development of site for mixed manufacturing (renewable energy) and other uses primarily classes 4,5 and 6 and port activities; associated car parking, access, ancillary works and uses. | Port Of Dundee Land South Of Stannergate Road Docks Dundee

Things have been deafeningly quiet about the renewables lately - let's hope this is the start of something.

Dundee city councillors have given formal planning permission for the £45m new V&A in Scotland.

http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2012/09/19/bid-race-for-45m-dundee-va-in-early-2013/

Was walking along Dock Street for the first time in a few weeks and loads of progress has been made. The kerbing for the new wider 'North Boulevard' is really taking shape and one of the new North / South Routes ( the extension of Castle Street) is also advancing at some pace. You can now start to get a real feel of what is to come. The area around the station is also taking shape.

I also walked past Nandos which is close to completion and it looks stunning from what I could see with a very hip interior.

:cheers:

Yeah, Nandos looks good, had a look through the windows today. Opens on Wednesday I think, although there`s still some dispute over whether they`ll be allowed to have a seated drinking area outside (which is ridiculous considering Trades is allowed one).

Tannadice costs more than Dens in the new monopoly and Dee fans are upset. I thought they would have just made the stadiums the equivilent of utilities on the Dundee board, it would have made them the same price so no fighting - ironically, given the connotations of 'utility' in Dundonian football!!!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/top-stories/dundee-fans-slam-new-city-monopoly-board-which-values-dens-park-20-lower-than-tannadice-1-2552813#resize-image

Tannadice costs more than Dens in the new monopoly and Dee fans are upset. I thought they would have just made the stadiums the equivilent of utilities on the Dundee board, it would have made them the same price so no fighting - ironically, given the connotations of 'utility' in Dundonian football!!!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/top-stories/dundee-fans-slam-new-city-monopoly-board-which-values-dens-park-20-lower-than-tannadice-1-2552813#resize-image



Haha, I read this story too...reckon it`s just the papers trying to fill some space! I honestly couldn`t care less!!:lol:

Tannadice costs more than Dens in the new monopoly and Dee fans are upset. I thought they would have just made the stadiums the equivilent of utilities on the Dundee board, it would have made them the same price so no fighting - ironically, given the connotations of 'utility' in Dundonian football!!!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/top-stories/dundee-fans-slam-new-city-monopoly-board-which-values-dens-park-20-lower-than-tannadice-1-2552813#resize-image

The only real value of either stadium is the land they occupy. Dens is definitely worth more due to this, much bigger plot and more prominent location.

I can't believe this is even being discussed! It's a game!

Tesco is opening a new express store on the Nethergate in the empty retail units next to the bus shelter. The posters on site say it will open on the 23rd of October. They seem to be trying to have a store on every corner in Dundee :ohno:.
The burgh cafe has moved from its old premises on castle street into the former trespass unit on commercial street, it looks really good, I can't wait to see the upstairs bit.

Unbelievable about Tesco - there`s already a fairly decent convenience store there, no doubt Tesco are planning on running them out of business. God I hate that company:ohno:

And yet again Dundee City Council are more than happy to rubberstamp any application that Tesco put before them!

On the flip-side of that, I drove past the old NCR at the weekend, that`s fairly coming down - bet that really sticks in Tescos throat!:lol:

Nandos seems to be doing well, tried to get lunch today (sunday) but would have to wait over an hour! Went to Dr Noodles instead :)

Dundee V&A museum secures Scottish government backing

BBC News 8th October 2012

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49766000/jpg/_49766482__49268938_kengokuma_hi-res-1.jpg

The new V&A museum in Dundee is set to receive £3m of Scottish government funding in 2013/14.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop will confirm the move during a visit to a photographic exhibition in the city.

It is part of an overall support package of £18m from the Scottish government to the £45m scheme which is due to open in 2015.

Ms Hyslop said it was an "international cultural project" but also at the heart of the city's waterfront regeneration.

She is due to visit a major exhibition of photographs from the V&A collection which is on display at The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum.

She will also receive an update on the new museum's progress.

"This display offers a tantalising glimpse of the fantastic quality of exhibition that we can expect to see at V&A at Dundee when it opens," she said.

"Content of this calibre shows the potential for this visionary project to strengthen the global reputation of Scotland - and Dundee in particular - as a centre of excellence for the creative industries."

V&A at Dundee director Philip Long said: "I am delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to this exhibition, which shows the stunning quality of the material which the V&A can provide.

"We are of course extremely grateful for the Scottish government's support of our project, which is invaluable in helping bring V&A at Dundee to fruition."

The museum is being built in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Local partners in the project include the University of Dundee, the University of Abertay, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise.

The museum is part of the £1bn Dundee waterfront project, which encompasses 240 hectares of development land along the River Tay.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-19862035

http://www.lifesci.dundee.ac.uk/news/2012/10/08/uk-government-funds-will-complete-ctir-project

Dundee's hopes of becoming a world-leading renewable energy hub will be given a major boost if plans to reclaim 30 acres of land from the Tay are realised.

The project would increase the size of the available development land by around 50%, creating more room for heavy industry.

Should a survey prove it is feasible to extend the port, then 1,000,000 million cubic metres of material will be excavated from two other sites in the Tay to provide the reclamation material.

Scottish Enterprise — which signed a memorandum of understanding with Scottish and Southern Energy, Dundee City Council and Forth Ports to develop a manufacturing plant at the docks last year — is inviting tenders from companies to survey the seabed.

SSE believes the site can become a key location in its offshore wind power development chain, capable of supporting 700 jobs.

If the port is extended by 30 acres, however, that could lead to an even greater investment and potentially even more jobs.

A spokeswoman for Scottish Enterprise said the project is at a very early stage and it is too soon to see where exactly the additional land would be created — or how long the process would take.

The Stannergate end of the port is likely to be the easiest to extend and where the space earmarked for development is situated.

''We're investigating the feasibility of this area to help us understand more about how we can maximise the opportunities for the renewables sector in Dundee,'' said the Scottish Enterprise spokeswoman.

The Port of Dundee is 60 acres and its extension would be the largest land reclamation project seen in Dundee in decades.

Much of the waterfront area, and the airport, has been built on reclaimed land.

Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said the proposal represents a huge opportunity as the city seeks to position itself at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.

''Dundee Port is an excellent location and, if reclamation goes ahead, this could create an additional 30 acres of industrial space there to offer incoming investors.

''Dredging the material from the river to form the new industrial space will also be a worthwhile exercise, helping to improve the city's deepwater access channels.

''It is good to see Forth Ports, Scottish Enterprise and other key partners working hard to improve the great natural advantages of the Tay and Dundee Port.''

Tenders must be submitted by October 26 and it is expected the winning bid will be announced in November but it could be months before survey work begins and possibly years before the reclamation process is completed.

A spokeswoman for Forth Ports said: ''We are running a successful and thriving port at Dundee and are pleased to be exploring opportunities, along with Scottish Enterprise, to maximise the potential of the port and to attract new business opportunities.''

Finally.........was on the balcony of the Olympia yesterday and noticed that the top floor of Tayside House has started being taken away:cheers:


Interesting news about the port expansion!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-19913780

The Courier just posted on their Facebook page:

"If you have been following the progress of the V&A project in Dundee, don't miss Friday's Courier. We have exclusive news of a major development."

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/375816_10151253477161215_602029194_n.jpg

My guess is the Unicorn is moving next door to the V&A.

My guess is they have changed the plans and the V&A is not jutting out into the tay as far as first designed.

The location of the V&A at Dundee museum could be moved inland, closer to the Discovery, today's Courier exclusively reveals.

The latest proposals would see the design gallery sitting on the western half of the site currently occupied by the Olympia leisure centre, with the 'prow' of the building extending over the River Tay.


See Friday's Courier for more.

The new design abandons the original plan to build the structure on piles, jutting out over the water.

Philip Long, director of the V&A at Dundee, tells us that the look of the building will be unaffected and the proposal has been made to ensure the building is delivered within its £45 million budget and timeframe.
■For the full story, see Friday's Courier
:ohno::ohno::ohno:

:ohno: http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/25337/v-and-a-at-dundee-project-may-abandon-planned-river-location.html

Seems that their ambitions were too big. On the other hand maybe they wont build a hotel in front of it now. I'll have a read on the courier today to see if they have any further details.

"It's not just a building that sits on the harbour, but it somehow appears to sit within it and within the land as well."- Hannah Lawson, 2011 WAN Awards judging panel
-------------------------------------------------------

Not Any more!!

Will this now cause delays...waiting for the Olympia site to be cleared ?
:ohno: