From the BBC website - Good news in my opinion:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-12733326

Also a great new handmade jewellery shop has opened up on Whitehall Cresent called Neo Design. Its a bit pricey but well worth it.

Beat me to it s.findlay! Good news indeed. 'State of the art commerical centre' sounds intriguing. We will have to wait and see. However, another positive development and another sign of interest in Dundee :)

Extract from BBC:

"Already covered!

Well that's not very encouraging:

German investors are forsaking London in favour of Scotland

Enticing cautious foreign investors away from the lure of London can be difficult. However, agents and landlords in Scotland have a track record of pulling German funds north of the border. With €1.5bn of inflows into German open-ended funds alone in the last year they appear destined to continue their success.

“There is a big weight of money in the open-ended funds that are prepared to spend going forward. They have a lot of cash that they urgently need to invest,” says Wolfgang Scholl, portfolio manager at 3i Investments. Scholl has been involved with several deals in Scotland, such as the £30m forward-funding of Clydesdale Bank’s 96,500 sq ft headquarters in Glasgow.

Typically German funds invest in Scotland to earn higher returns than in London, and buy prime, well-let office or retail assets in Edinburgh or Glasgow that require little asset management.

“The regions in the UK are less volatile than London,” says Frank Reichert, head of portfolio management at KanAm, which bought Broadway One in Glasgow for £51m last February.

“Glasgow has been a fairly stable market and lease agreements with fixed uplifts, hence rental growth, are more available in the regions.”
With prime yields in London’s West End reaching as low as 3.4% it is understandable that some investors are looking further afield. “You need to get into London at the right time and with sufficient amounts of cash,” says Andrew Creighton, director at Henderson Global Investors, who headed the £36.4m acquisition of the retail block 61-79 Buchanan Street in Glasgow in October.

“London is expensive and we can’t really make it work for us at the moment. If we can buy at 6.5% in the regions, that still works on income returns.”

German investors are also eager to buy in strong regional UK cities, such as Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol, but an unequal amount of interest homes in on Scotland. David Davidson, managing director of Scotland and partner in the capital markets team for Cushman & Wakefield has a practical explanation.

“It’s not so much a fascination with Scotland but the fact that two major cities are here, which means a disproportionate amount of investment outside of London comes here,” he says.

However, Creighton says that there are some special quirks that bring German investors to Scotland. “Typically German funds go for office buildings in Edinburgh, as it is still seen as a financial centre, and retail in Glasgow because of its spend,” he says. “The difference in the strength of the two cities is a real overall benefit to Scotland.”

The investment returns available in Glasgow for the strength of the covenants available are thought of as remarkable by some and a reason
to expect future investment.

SEB Asset Management bought 110 St Vincent Street for £40m in November. Nils Hübener, head of real estate investment, says: “We wanted prime buildings in strong locations that have long-term income, and that is what we got with St Vincent Street. It’s something you wouldn’t get in London and in just about any other city in Europe.”

The momentum of German money going into Scotland has begun to build as a result of recent deals and Chris Macfarlane, partner in charge of Scotland at King Sturge who acted for KanAm on its Broadway purchase, says: “A track record of Germans coming to Scotland seems to give additional comfort and an easier ’sell’ to lenders and investors alike. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow markets are mature and fairly broadly based which has given investors confidence that they have longevity and prospects for growth.”

Although some are retail acquisitions by German funds, such as Henderson’s in Buchanan Street, office investment is more common because of its low asset management. However, one German open-ended fund manager is eager to buck that trend.

“It is just a question of time until we buy a shopping centre in the UK,” says Karl-Joseph Hermanns-Engel, member of the management board at Union Investment. We have not yet acquired a shopping centre in the UK and we have done so in 11 European countries so far.”

Foreign investors are attracted to the UK in part because of the weakness of sterling, as well as a stable rate of low interest, says Hermanns-Engel. The hands-on nature of shopping centre management would not deter Union.

“Owning a shopping centre is like owning a micro-city and it needs a lot of asset management. But we are capable of doing that,
as we have shown with our centres elsewhere,” he says.

Although Union’s intentions show a certain sense of adventure in terms of asset class, German investment focuses almost purely on Glasgow and Edinburgh. In 2008 Pramerica did buy BP’s headquarters in Aberdeen but German investors are usually reluctant.

“You can only get them to Glasgow and Edinburgh,” says Creighton. “Aberdeen seems to be just that bit too far away. You could never get them to Perth or Dundee, that’s for sure. We have tried – as you get great covenants – but it just gets to the point where they say they’re not getting on another plane.”

The Aberdeen economy’s lack of diversification and its focus on the energy industry is also a push factor. “For me, Aberdeen is too specialist, as there are only oil and a few financial services companies there,” says Scholl.

Coaxing German investment into Scotland is not always easy and it is not just the investment propositions that need to be addressed – practical considerations need to be made as well.

“UK agents can often forget that English is a second language to them and don’t alter how they speak accordingly,” notes Davidson.

“It is also easy to be culturally unaware of the formality of business in Germany. Internally colleagues may call each other by “Herr ’X’” as
a mark of respect. Agents can be unaware and just use first names automatically. I would always use “Herr ’X’”, although with each successive generation dialogue has become less formal.”

Davidson has also taken lessons in the language order to integrate better with German business partners and says this has helped.
“I have taken German lesson as a way of being polite more than anything, and I think it has helped in business that people know I have made the effort,” he says.

Not all Scots may go to the same length to complete a deal but with the weight of German money ready to invest in regional markets, it might be worth considering.



Read more: http://www.propertyweek.com/news/herr-to-stay-in-scotland/5014247.article#ixzz1GfKfXITO
propertyweek.com
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Anyone else feel like we should get access to the threads front page to at least add some text to and images to welcome and introduce the thread to new and potential members.

The series of dots on the first page can't be inviting/professional looking to people who think it's best to read from page 1.

Also, I think we should think about renaming the title to reflect the whole of Dundee's developments and conversation as the thread doesn't just focus on waterfront issues.

Maybe we can start up a new thread solely for Dundee Waterfront developments, as it will be hotting up soon I reckon, and also sift through this existing thread and export the relevant waterfront posts to the new page

I would be happy to do this, although I know it my take a little time, but that's okay.

I'd make sure we introduce some sort of archiving/summary system too for a better experience to serve our newer members.

What do you think?

Many Thanks,

Adam

Adam,

I agree with the introduction and images on the front page.

I also agree with the re-naming, but dont think there should be a new thread.

I like the idea of finding out information about whats going on in Dundee all on the one thread.

Just my thought.

Adam,

I would have to agree with the thoughts of dufc1909. You could see what info/opinions you can get from the mods? Maybe they could suggest ideas to improve the visibility of the thread?, to a wider audience perhaps?

Thanks for your consideration to the thread. I think, specifically a revamped introduction to the thread would be amazing! :)

I think this thread is great (and members), and is always bustling with info and thoughts, so any ideas to improve and try to attract more members will always recieve my support.

As I mentioned, I am going to get some more photos around town, (hopefully next weekend), to post on the thread. :)

Keep us up to date on your thoughts/plans. :)

.
Interesting to read the comments about page 1. Since I first came across this site, I have been saving the pages in Firefox as "Web page, complete", as I thought, as some point in the future, it would be illuminating to go back and see what people were saying about whatever to do with the Waterfront redevelopment, even if the site or thread disappeared.
Onnyhoo, as a service to contributors and readers of this thread, I have 'zipped' the complete page 1 (pre-deletions) and uploaded it to t'interweb.
If you download, save and unzip, you'll find a folder and an html file. Double-click on the html file and the page should display in your web browser of choice. (I've only checked it with Firefox.) All the graphics, etc, are in the folder.
You can download it from:-

http://tinyurl.com/63xnlda

8=)

Dundee’s status as a cruise destination is growing after it emerged several ships are scheduled to arrive in the city this summer.
Forth Ports PLC, the owner and operator of Dundee Port, revealed that a number of cruise liners are planning to travel to Dundee between April and September, with the first arriving in June.

Great news about the cruise ships - any idea where they`re coming from?

http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/early-booking-opportunities-as-fred-olsen-2012-summer-cruises-go-on-sale-to/

http://www.iglucruise.com/black-watch/11th-june-2012_c53911

For anyone that may be interested.....

A free Kengo Kuma Lecture

http://www.buyat.dundee.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?modid=1&prodid=677&deptid=30&catid=129&prodvarid=0

Dundee’s status as a cruise destination is growing after it emerged several ships are scheduled to arrive in the city this summer.
Forth Ports PLC, the owner and operator of Dundee Port, revealed that a number of cruise liners are planning to travel to Dundee between April and September, with the first arriving in June.

Good to hear more cruise ships using the port this summer. I don't think last year was very good from ship visits. Hopefully these numbers will be on the increase with the V&A and waterfront etc. I always consider the cruise ships as a postive sign and it is nice to see them down at the waterfront.

On a separate note, from The Courier:

New transport hub at Dundee rail station is given £2m lift

A new transport hub to be created outside Dundee railway station — including a central bus stance and facilities for taxis and cycle hire — has been given a £2m boost.


The cash, which has been allocated by the Scottish Government from European funding, will not be used for refurbishment within the rail station itself.

The new integrated transport hub would see coaches stop outside the railway station for the first time, but it would not mean an end to the city's Seagate bus terminus.

The purpose of the development is to give commuters an easier way in and out of the city by ensuring that all forms of public transport are available to people as they emerge from trains stopping at Dundee.

The scheme would form part of the central waterfront area that is being redeveloped and that will eventually house the V&A building.

Dundee East MSP Shona Robison said, "We are delighted with this funding, which will assist Dundee to build a better transport network involving all methods of transport.

"It will assist local people to get about the city and to and from Dundee to other places more easily. This will tie-in with the Waterfront redevelopment including the V&A which will be a big draw to the area."

Councillors were briefed on the project at a meeting in Dundee on Tuesday.

Not the full plans yet for the station refurbishment, but it's a start I guess. I actually never realised this was in the pipeline. It'll make it easier than walk to the Seagate in certain cases.

I makes me wonder IF (big if) ;), Network Rail gave the funding for the full redevelopment of the train station, whether the bus station should be relocated down beside the train station (i.e. car park area), and take a leaf out of Aberdeen's book? Then they could sell off the Seagate land for development- recoup some money. I'm sure the idea of bus station and rail station integration has been discussed on here before.

Anyway that was just a thought and space would be pretty tight to integrate both. I just thought it might be better to be committed in the project now rather leaving it for a couple of years. I suppose it goes back to Network Rails hesitancy over the rail station... :ohno:

i thought they were knocking the olympia down and building the new one ontop of it no? it's in a completley new location?

The current site of the Olympia will become part of the central waterfront development. The new Olympia is being built on the former Allan Street car park, beside the former Borders store, just along from the Seagate.

Is house building on the west side of Dundee going to start?

"Dundee City Council Press Releases Recent Press Releases | Archive | 2011 |
Dykes of Gray Road works
MAJOR upgrading works on a city road will see motorists diverted and only local access allowed.

Work starts in Dykes of Gray Road on Monday (March 28) to widen the carriageway, construct a new footway, new drainage system and replace the bridge over the Lochee Burn.

New proposed private housing developments adjacent to the Dykes of Gray Road are planned, and the 29 week programme of work is needed to create access.

For the first week preliminary works will be carried out under traffic light control but for the rest of the contract the road will be closed along its entire length.

Residents will be informed of access routes, but in the interests of safety no through traffic will be allowed during the road closure.

The diversion route will be clearly signed and will include Swallow Roundabout, Kingsway West, Coupar Angus Road, Birkhill and Liff Hospital Road.

The work is being carried out by Tayside Contracts on behalf of Dundee City Council and every opportunity will be taken to minimise the duration of the closure



Press Release Date: Thursday 24 March 2011"

Good to see work about to begin on Dundee's secondary shopping streets: http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/documents/23032011.doc
Had a walk down Union Street today and thought it was looking tired.

Regarding other areas of the town, the old Ramsden unit at the bottom of the Murraygate (near the Wellgate) is having work done on it and the 'to let' sign is gone so it will be interesting to see what goes in there. The old Birthdays unit as mentioned previously is soon to become a Cafe Nero which is good news. Another empty unit having work done is the old Peckhams unit on Whitehall Street, but if my mind serves me correctly they left teh unit due to the ceiling collapsing so it may be something in connection with the ceiling.

I'm pretty sure there are other developments going on in the centre but can't quite remember where, all goods news though.

Good to see work about to begin on Dundee's secondary shopping streets: http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/documents/23032011.doc
Had a walk down Union Street today and thought it was looking tired.

Regarding other areas of the town, the old Ramsden unit at the bottom of the Murraygate (near the Wellgate) is having work done on it and the 'to let' sign is gone so it will be interesting to see what goes in there. The old Birthdays unit as mentioned previously is soon to become a Cafe Nero which is good news. Another empty unit having work done is the old Peckhams unit on Whitehall Street, but if my mind serves me correctly they left teh unit due to the ceiling collapsing so it may be something in connection with the ceiling.

I'm pretty sure there are other developments going on in the centre but can't quite remember where, all goods news though.

Unfortunately there have been loads of closures in recent months so new shops / cafes cant come fast enough. Was walking down South Tay Street and noticed that No. 25s has closed along with the West Port Bar, Travel Mood, Cruise, Free Spirit is closing, Pub at top of Commercial Street, John Ross Hi Fi, Willows on Whitehall Street, Travel Agents on Albert Square, American Candy Shop, Travel Agents on Albert Square, Ice Cream Shop in Overgate... :ohno: Hope things pick up soon

Unfortunately there have been loads of closures in recent months so new shops / cafes cant come fast enough. Was walking down South Tay Street and noticed that No. 25s has closed along with the West Port Bar, Travel Mood, Cruise, Free Spirit is closing, Pub at top of Commercial Street, John Ross Hi Fi, Willows on Whitehall Street, Travel Agents on Albert Square, American Candy Shop, Travel Agents on Albert Square, Ice Cream Shop in Overgate... :ohno: Hope things pick up soon

Freespirit is part of Blacks outdoor, they closed down most of their shops and let the last 6 (inc Overgate shop) to run their lease and not renew.

Unfortunately there have been loads of closures in recent months so new shops / cafes cant come fast enough. Was walking down South Tay Street and noticed that No. 25s has closed along with the West Port Bar, Travel Mood, Cruise, Free Spirit is closing, Pub at top of Commercial Street, John Ross Hi Fi, Willows on Whitehall Street, Travel Agents on Albert Square, American Candy Shop, Travel Agents on Albert Square, Ice Cream Shop in Overgate... :ohno: Hope things pick up soon

It's sad to see so many shops closing down but some of them have nobody to blame but themselves. The only time I went into Willows I was totally ignored by the staff and left after about 5 minutes completely empty handed. The West Port Bar was never the same after they stopped doing the gigs. To be honest, I won't miss any of the shops mentioned, I never had any reason to venture into any of 'em.

Good news about the environmental improvements around Union Street and Whitehall Crescent. I'm fairly impressed with the wqork done at Lochee High Street and I hope it's as good or better than that. I just hope that the disruption doesn't force any more shops down that way out of business.

Have tp agree with Danny here, most of the shops that have closed were dire and 'nothings'. The only place that I think is a loss is Number 25s but it was open on Thursday night so i'm not sure whats happening there. The Marble Slab is the Overgate has relocated to Henry's Coffee House and the Cruise shop was only a 'pop-up'.
In my opinion the other shops were pretty pointless, low end shops that degraded the centre.

Freespirit was a good shop and Marble Slab is a quality brand abroad. They certainly didn't devalue the city!

Noticed a strange sculpture at Dundee waterfront today, outside the multistorey car park next to Sensation. It's a car covered with a sheet on a plynth - what's the significance of this - there was no plaque or sign or any information...

That's been there for a few years. I can't be arsed looking it up but I seem to recall a story in the Courier that it's made out of some special type of concrete that can absorb carbon from exhaust fumes.

Have tp agree with Danny here, most of the shops that have closed were dire and 'nothings'. The only place that I think is a loss is Number 25s but it was open on Thursday night so i'm not sure whats happening there. The Marble Slab is the Overgate has relocated to Henry's Coffee House and the Cruise shop was only a 'pop-up'.
In my opinion the other shops were pretty pointless, low end shops that degraded the centre.

surely not as dire as 'to let' signs

Freespirt have been closing their stores in the UK for years and as said previously the Dundee store and five others throughout the UK were just kept open to run down there lease. Seoul Dee, Marble Slab has not closed but has relocated to inside Henry's Coffee House.

I don't think Dundee has done too badly in comparison to Glasgow and other cities in Scotland. Some streets in Glasgow city centre such as Queen Street and West Nile Street have over 60% of shops 'to let'. This is in a city that is meant to be the 2nd best shopping city in Britain. Outwith Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, Glasgow is really suffering!

Freespirt have been closing their stores in the UK for years and as said previously the Dundee store and five others throughout the UK were just kept open to run down there lease. Seoul Dee, Marble Slab has not closed but has relocated to inside Henry's Coffee House.

I don't think Dundee has done too badly in comparison to Glasgow and other cities in Scotland. Some streets in Glasgow city centre such as Queen Street and West Nile Street have over 60% of shops 'to let'. This is in a city that is meant to be the 2nd best shopping city in Britain. Outwith Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, Glasgow is really suffering!

Central Glasgow has suffered due to the number of out-of-town retail developments. Dundee has also suffered due to this with the Gallagher retail park impacting on the Wellgate. Why they were ever allowed to build the Gallagher park I will never understand!

I see there`s still no hotel announcements.............aside from there being Legionnaires Disease at the Landmark :ohno:

I see there`s still no hotel announcements
Yeah I was thinking that.

Wind farm company Gamesa still looking for Dundee site ! !

Why ? Surely there are enough sites around large enough.

Whats happening with the new Asda at gourdie ?

Nothing happening with Asda as yet - I`m pretty sure all the applications/objections part is out of the way though, think they`re just waiting on a start date for construction to begin.

Anyone heard any more about the big development that was announced for the site next to Camperdown, just next to the ice rink?

Noticed a strange sculpture at Dundee waterfront today, outside the multistorey car park next to Sensation. It's a car covered with a sheet on a plynth - what's the significance of this - there was no plaque or sign or any information...

There was something posted on here a while back, cant seem to find it, but...

the culpture is known as 'the catalyst'

I like it, would have preferred a more 'desirable' type of car than the look of a ford sierra under it. And, might have been nice if the cover had 'slipped' a little, showing the corner (and wheel?) of a car underneath.

Just my thoughts, but have a gander for yourself.

http://www.catalystdundee.com/index.html

Fingers crossed for more developments & jobs!

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/12392/road-upgrade-could-trigger-dundee-western-gateway-project.html

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/12388/doosan-power-systems-considering-city-for-500-wind-turbine-jobs.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-12939623

Developer's appeal says airport hotel would be 'memorable' addition to Dundee
The developer behind plans for a 102-bedroom hotel near Dundee airport has claimed it can create a "successful, meaningful and memorable" building.

Bid to overturn council planning refusal for Riverside Avenue hotel
Council committee rejects plan for hotel at Dundee Airport
Details of Lomond Group's appeal against the refusal of planning permission by the city council have been released, including its contention that no other suitable site can be found.


However, council planners have responded by saying that the company has produced no evidence of this and that the area already has several sizeable hotels.

The case is being handled by the Scottish Government's planning appeals unit, which has published the submissions made by both sides.

Lomond Group has permission for a 60-bedroom hotel on the 0.5-hectare site, but its attempt to increase the size of the development was rejected in December.

It is continuing to argue that the increase is desirable to properly support the city's aspirations to grow its business and tourism markets.

The proposed design is meant to reflect the nearby aeronautical connection, with an accommodation wing based on the shape of a Spitfire's exhaust vent and a tower like an airport control tower.

The company said, "There has been an increase in the footprint of the hotel as a direct result of the 42-bed increase in the facility, but the height of the building remains unaltered. The layout has been adjusted and improved to accommodate the additional car parking required to serve the increased bed space.

"The scale, nature, height and layout of the proposed development ... will make for a comfortable and pleasant fit in the townscape."

Lomond Group is hoping to take advantage of an increase in visitor numbers to Dundee stemming from the creation of the V&A museum at the central waterfront.

Councillors set aside development plan policies when they granted permission for a 60-bed hotel. Lomond Group is suggesting that similar "flexibility and realism" should be applied in the appeal case owing to the "negligible" differences between that proposal and the 102-bedroom version.

Council planners believe the larger hotel would be an over-development of the site. Their appeal submission states that Lomond Group has not supplied details of the selection process that led it to the spot by the airport. Nor has it explained why other possible locations in or next to the city centre, close to the V&A, were not considered.

The planners also take issue with the company's argument that there are few hotels serving the west end of Dundee, pointing out that the Queen's, Invercarse and Landmark hotels are all within 2½ miles of the airport.

A site inspection will be carried out by an appeal reporter before a decision is made on whether or not to allow the development to go ahead.

.
Hi Dundonian.

Stories about "Catalyst" are on Page 15 of this thread. There are two pertinent links with further info:-

"'Eco-sculpture' unveiled in city"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7789474.stm

"The car's the star"
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/The-car39s-the-star.4803329.jp

8=)

'Banksy' Lemmings tribute spotted at Abertay University

Staff at Abertay University in Dundee believe they have spotted some Banksy graffiti art in their car park.

The work features a common Banksy image of a rat in a suit - but this time holding an umbrella and falling.

It is thought this could be a tribute to one of the "floater" characters in the computer game Lemmings, which was created by former student Dave Jones.

The 20th anniversary of the game's release was celebrated recently at the university.

A member of staff who has seen the graffiti said: "This image seems to have sprung up in the last day or two, so may well be Banksy's own tribute to Lemmings and the Dundee computer games industry."

He admitted it was possible the work was a "copycat image", but said many other Banksy imitations did not have the same sharp edges and high detail that this work did.

The anonymous street artist never confirms or denies his graffiti.

Dundee's links to the gaming industry are often said to have begun with the Lemmings.

The hugely popular computer game was written by Mr Jones for Commodore Amiga and released in 1991.

The work was drawn at the entrance to the car park opposite the university The game involved guiding lemmings around obstacles to an exit and hooked millions of people.

He went on to develop Grand Theft Auto, cementing his reputation as one of the most respected games developers in the industry.

Recognising the success of both these games, Abertay became the first university in the world to offer a course in software engineering for video games in 1996.

Mr Jones' last company, Realtime Worlds, went into administration in 2010.

i walked past the new olympia site this morning, very busy from what i seen, i was going to take pictures but there were a lot of people walking and driving around.. it was kind of embarassing, so i never took any, i just have to say i think this is in the wrong location, i think it should be nearer the old one..(current).. are they keeping the shell garage there or are they knocking that down?

The Shell garage stays . . . .

WINE warehouse chain Majestic will open two further sites in Scotland this summer, taking its number of outlets north of the Border to 13, as its chief executive ruled out a bid for high street rival Oddbins.
Steve Lewis said there were only "one or two" Oddbins stores in which the Aim-quoted Majestic could be interested in taking on if the embattled company cannot be saved during a period of administration, which is expected to begin tomorrow.

"No one has made money as a high street off licence chain for many years," said Lewis.

"There are only one or two Oddbins sites that we might be interested in because those are the only ones with car parks."

Majestic's entire business model is built around customers being able to park outside stores to carry their minimum purchase of six bottles.

Lewis revealed that Majestic would be unveiling its first stores in Dundee and Livingston in June or July. He has been looking for "the right location" in Dundee for the past two years and has been eyeing up sites in West Lothian for the past 12 months.

While he ruled out a move to the high street, Lewis does expect to pick up more customers if a buyer cannot be found for Oddbins, resulting in the chain of 89 shops - including 16 in Scotland - being closed.

"I would definitely expect some Oddbins customers to migrate to Majestic if the chain doesn't survive," said Lewis. "If customers have stuck by Oddbins for all this time then they are interested in good wine, which is what we offer them."

He said he expected to pick up customers in places such as Inverness.

i think it's way in the wrong LOCATION! what is going to be built ontop of the old one after it gets knocked down? is that where the V&E museum is going?

i think it's way in the wrong LOCATION! what is going to be built ontop of the old one after it gets knocked down? is that where the V&E museum is going?

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/ explains what is happening with the waterfront. They are planning to create several thousand jobs on the land that is currently occupied by the Olympia, the Hilton etc. Apartments, office, shops, museums, restaurants etc will all be built on that land. I think its a great location for the new Olympia. It will really increase the density in the East Port, just like what has happened in the West Port over the past 5 years or so.

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/findCaseFile.do?apptype=DC&appNumber=11/00134/PAN

More developments at the City Quay. 46 flats, a residential care home and a childrens nursery. I presume this is on the land to the East of the Panmure development, where the car park for the city quay originally was.

is this still getting built does anyone know?

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/1552/thewavefmhomestrimedia3.jpg

[QUOTE=Magnog;75528499]is this still getting built does anyone know?

Not sure if it will look the same but I think Miller now own that, who ever it was anyway had a listing in the Scotland on Sunday Property Magazine as "coming soon" so it must be on the cards.

thanks for the reply, i think this is a stunning building, especially for the location, right beside the water, i hope it looks like this or similar, it's beautiful!

.
Hi Magnog.

At a City Centre & Harbour Community Council meeting a couple of years ago, this very proposal was being discussed.
The idea of this tower having a restaurant included was received well. Think of the view over the river! Especially the sunsets at either end of winter...
Yep. it was received well - until we were told that (in typical Dundee fashion) the restaurant was planned for the GROUND floor - the top was destined to be a 6 or 7 figure penthouse....

.
Hi Magnog.

At a City Centre & Harbour Community Council meeting a couple of years ago, this very proposal was being discussed.
The idea of this tower having a restaurant included was received well. Think of the view over the river! Especially the sunsets at either end of winter...
Yep. it was received well - until we were told that (in typical Dundee fashion) the restaurant was planned for the GROUND floor - the top was destined to be a 6 or 7 figure penthouse....

A penthouse there might sell for a million, a restaurant won't. The prices they would have to charge to make a restaurant at the top of that tower viable would never be achieved in Dundee in my opinion. Even the ground floor would have a fantastic view though, as the apartments currently at City Quay have.

The importance of Dundee's Frigate Unicorn as a former naval warship has been recognised by the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN).

The grand old lady of Victoria Dock is also to be given the royal seal of approval with a visit on Tuesday by Princess Anne to mark the affiliation of the Unicorn Preservation Society with the NMRN.

The princess, who is patron of both organisations, will unveil drawings by Sir Robert Seppings, who designed Unicorn.

The NMRN was established to create, preserve, explain and celebrate the contribution made by the Royal Navy during its history of over 1000 years, in the defence of the UK and its overseas interests.

The affiliation aims to increase the understanding and importance of the navy to Britain's heritage and to display a clear and practical link with HMS Victory in Portsmouth and HM Frigate Unicorn, which was built in 1824 in Dundee.

It also seeks to illustrate the ships and people of the Royal Navy in the final century of sail, and also the role of the Royal Navy's Reserves in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

It will also bring national support to the Unicorn Preservation Society in its battle to secure the Frigate Unicorn's long-term future.

Lord Dalhousie, chairman of the Unicorn Preservation Society, said, "This magnificent opportunity to link Unicorn with the National Museum of the Royal Navy arose as a direct result of the Princess Royal holding a charity forum last year to mark her 60th birthday.

"All her charities were invited to discuss their challenges and opportunities and we all made some extremely relevant contacts.

"HM Frigate Unicorn is no longer a commissioned warship, but she still firmly belongs in the naval family and this affiliation and Tuesday's presentation represent a very real and valuable integration of Britain's Royal Naval heritage.

"Unicorn is a wooden ship and she cannot remain afloat indefinitely. We are determined to preserve her extraordinary originality, so she needs to be docked in a dry berth covered from the weather.

"There is now also an opportunity for Unicorn to move to an ideal final berth within Dundee's new central waterfront development, and it is almost exactly where she spent her first century in the city.

"This option brings HM Frigate Unicorn into a spectacular triangular relationship with RRS Discovery and the V&A Dundee, and would bring Dundee's two great historic ships back together."

Dr Dominic Tweddle, director-general of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, said, "The 19th of April marks a special day as the National Museum of the Royal Navy comes to Dundee.

"The opportunity to welcome HMS Unicorn, a historic ship of national importance, as an affiliate of the National Museum means that the story of the Royal Navy, its ships and its people can now be told on a national scale."




I think that would really be something if it was moved to a dry dock just next to the Discovery, would look REALLY good as visitors come out of the (hopefully soon-to-be refurbished) railway station!

Great news about the unicorn...

Project team is chosen to deliver V&A vision
Plans to open a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee took a major step forward when project managers were appointed to oversee its construction.

They will be responsible for taking the museum from its current stage as a concept design through to the end of construction.

The V&A at Dundee, which is due to open in 2014, will be an international centre for 21st century design for Scotland.

It will showcase Scottish design talent, provide a UK base for international touring exhibitions, and promote a wider understanding and application of design.

A design team led by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates has already been appointed following an international competition.

The V&A, which will be built out over the Tay at Craig Harbour, is expected to create around 50 full-time jobs but support hundreds more spin-off jobs through the boost it is expected to give the Dundee economy.

The building, which will contain a mix of galleries, exhibition spaces and learning areas as well as a cafe and shop, is intended to act as a catalyst for the economic, social and cultural regeneration of Dundee and the surrounding area.

Plans to open an offshoot of the V&A in Dundee were first mooted before the 2007 Scottish Parliament elections.

The museum is expected to become an internationally-recognised symbol of Dundee and help to establish the city as a global player in the design world.

Design Dundee Ltd is a partnership between the Victoria and Albert Museum and Dundee City Council, Dundee and Abertay universities and Scottish Enterprise.

Graham McKee, project leader for the V&A at Dundee, said, "We are delighted to welcome Turner and Townsend to the project and look forward to taking the project onwards with the aid of Turner and Townsend's considerable expertise."

Working closely with Design Dundee Ltd and Kengo Kuma and Associates, Turner and Townsend will also develop the project delivery plan and assist the project director in leading the professional team.

Neil McCowan, director of Turner and Townsend, said, "I think it goes without saying that we are delighted Design Dundee Ltd chose us to work with them to deliver this landmark building for Dundee.

"We are looking forward to developing our relationships with the team and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the Dundee waterfront.

"Having previously worked with international architects on a number of large-scale, design-led projects, we are able to highlight and propose solutions to the key issues and challenges the project may face, as well as demonstrating how to manage such a complex project."

Waterfront project is judged one of country's biggest regeneration efforts
Dundee's £925 million waterfront project has been named in the UK's top 20 regeneration projects.

The move puts the city in the premier league of major UK schemes, alongside projects such as London's Olympic Park, Greenwich Peninsula and Wembley City.

Following the announcement that Dundee Waterfront had secured the £43 million V&A Dundee as its flagship, the project has soared to 18th position in this year's research by specialist publication Planning.

Now in the fifth year of publication, the Top 100 reveals Dundee Waterfront emerging as Scotland's second-largest regeneration scheme — behind Glasgow's Clyde Gateway (£2.5bn).

It is ahead of Leith Harbour (£744m), West Lothian's Heartlands scheme (£500m) and Glasgow's Oatlands project (£222m).

Dundee's director of city development Mike Galloway said, "Our promotion to the top 20 is a reflection of the quality of regeneration under way with Dundee Waterfront and the scale of our plans to completely re-engineer and transform the city.

"Most of the sites have now been cleared, the waterfront area is attracting significant interest and there is further investment to come.

"Dundee Waterfront is fully open for business and we are encouraging investors, companies and entrepreneurs to visit the new Dundee."

Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise have jointly committed over £72 million from 2009-2017 for the Dundee Central Waterfront project.

The £925 million figure relates to projects along the wider waterfront, taking in work on the bridge, the port and elsewhere along the north bank of the Tay.

Rebuilding of bridge ramps and demolition of 1960s-style buildings are already opening up the waterfront for new office, hotel, leisure and residential uses.

With its ready access to North Sea waters and its extensive port facilities, Dundee has been earmarked by the Scottish Government as a strategic site for the development of the offshore renewables industry.

And more good news . . .

During her visit to Dundee, the princess officially welcomed the Frigate Unicorn into the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN). She visited the frigate at Victoria Dock in her dual capacity of patron of the Unicorn Preservation Society and the NMRN.

The Unicorn is the first ship in Scotland to be included in the NMRN and also strengthens the connection between the Royal Navy and Dundee.

The Unicorn Preservation Society chairman Lord Dalhousie said, "This magnificent opportunity to link Unicorn with the National Museum of the Royal Navy arose as a direct result of the Princess Royal holding a charity forum last year to mark its 60th birthday.

"All her charities were invited to discuss this challenge and opportunity and we all made some extremely relevant contacts.

"HM Frigate Unicorn is no longer a commissioned warship but she still firmly belongs in the naval family and this affiliation in today's presentation represents a very real and valuable integration of Britain's Royal Naval heritage."

"There is now also an opportunity for Unicorn to move to an ideal final berth within Dundee's new central waterfront development and it's almost exactly where she spent her first century in Dundee.

"This option brings HM Frigate Unicorn into a spectacular triangular relationship with RRS Discovery and the V&A at Dundee and would bring Dundee's two great historic ships back together."

The Unicorn was built in 1824 to the design of Sir Robert Seppings, the surveyor of the Navy from 1813 to 1832.

The princess formally unveiled drawings by Sir Robert, which are copies of originals held by the NMRN.

Director general of the NMRN, Dominic Tweedle, said, "The opportunity to welcome HMS Unicorn, a historic ship of national importance, as an affiliate of the national museum means that the story of the Royal Navy, its ship and its people can now be told on a national scale."

A new maritime museum for the Unicorn by the new Central Waterfront would be the logical next step...

The director responsible for guiding Dundee's V&A project has been named.

Philip Long, currently senior curator of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, will take up his post in July.

His appointment adds major credence to the aims of Design Dundee Ltd, the company tasked with delivering the V&A.

Chairwoman Lesley Knox said, "Philip Long has an outstanding background in culture and the arts, particularly in relation to museums and galleries and he is the ideal person to take our project forward."

Sir Mark Jones, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum said, "We are delighted that Philip Long has agreed to become director of the V&A at Dundee.

"His great knowledge of and enthusiasm for 20th century and contemporary design, and his proven talent for communicating contemporary art to a wide public are just what is needed for this exciting project."

Mr Long said, "First of all can I say I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to lead the V&A at Dundee to reality — it is a real honour.

"I have been intrigued and excited about the V&A at Dundee for some time, and when the opportunity came up I was extremely delighted.

"Design Dundee has impressed me greatly with its drive and by how much progress has been made already with the Scottish Government's £5 million contribution and the architect's competition already completed with a design that Scotland can be proud of."

'I like getting my hands dirty'
He added, "I think it's a fantastic thing that Dundee had the ambition to go for the V&A, I think there's an exceptional amount of energy in the city for this."

Mr Long said he will be a "hands-on" director.

He said, "I will be very much getting involved in all aspects of the project — I like getting my hands dirty.

"The design for the new museum is superb and the idea for the project is inspirational."

He added, "V&A at Dundee will be international in ambition, and will rightly celebrate the vital part Scotland has played in design history, as well as being a focus for design-led innovation and opportunity in our country."

Mr Long has been senior curator of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art since 1998.

Since 2008 he has been responsible for leading the National Galleries of Scotland's Artist Rooms project, which, in collaboration with the Tate, brings exhibitions of international contemporary art to the UK.

An expert in Scottish art and design, he has organised exhibitions and written on William Gillies, Anne Redpath, the Scottish Colourists, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the architect Basil Spence.

Creative culture
From 2003-10 he served on the Scottish Arts Lottery Committee, and in 2007 was invited to curate Scotland's national representation at the Venice Biennale.

Most recently, he worked with Antony Gormley to develop a major public artwork in Edinburgh.

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

Design Dundee Ltd is aiming to create a landmark building, sited at Craig Harbour on the banks of the River Tay.

The site is being made available through the Dundee Central Waterfront Partnership, the joint venture between Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise, which is revitalising the prime area of land linking the city centre with the River Tay.

An international design competition for the V&A at Dundee building was won by the Japanese practice Kengo Kuma and Associates.

The building will create a world-class public space celebrating the creative culture of design, the evolution of design, its role in our lives, its economic impact and its commercial relevance.

A new maritime museum for the Unicorn by the new Central Waterfront would be the logical next step...

Totally agree with this!:banana:

herald article on the V and A

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/new-scottish-v-a-director-says-museum-will-transform-city-of-dundee-1.1097316

M&S Simply Food are taking over the former Borders unit

M&S Simply Food are taking over the former Borders unit

Interesting, I wonder if they'll retain the food hall in the Murraygait.

Interesting, I wonder if they'll retain the food hall in the Murraygait.

I imagine that they would expand the non food goods into the basement area?

I think they might keep the food hall just to maintain a "food-selling presence" in the area, just because Tesco are in such close proximity.

Great News about Markies moving into Borders, I really do hope they keep the Murraygait and Ferry stores as well!

Baguette Express is now open in the Murraygait, Cafe Nero looks just about ready to open, Select retail are currently fitting out the old D2 unit next to Slaters, the Burgh Coffee house is getting fitted out in a large unit in Castle Street and Marco Polo's is coming together underneth the Holiday Inn.

I also heard a couple of rumours, JD Sports (First Sport) were going to expand in the Overgate, they are rumoured to be taking the lease of the old HBoS unit and creating another floor of retail space for themselves. The second one is that Land Securities plan to knock down the Pagazzi unit and move them to a new unit while building a restaurant in space of the old unit. They also plan to sub-divide the Halfords unit to make a smaller one for Halfords and Boots will move into the new subdivided area.

However, still no word on the former Tay Hotel, the Customs House, Gamesa, Outplay Entertainments or HobbyCraft :(

I noticed the other week that planning permission had been granted to Lomand Homes (owner of the Byzantium) for a cafe/restaurant in the unit next to Scott Brothers in the Nethergate: http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=LGYN8UGC04Q00&searchtype=WEEKLY

There was another interesting application for an unlicensed restaurant in Whitehall Cresent (the unit that has never been occupied inbetween William Smiths and Jimmy Chungs) http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=LJN3XOGC03500&searchtype=WEEKLY

The next appliction is for another smart looking restaurant next to Braes, I like this one alot; http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=LJJPB0GC08200&searchtype=WEEKLY

Tay hotel is Marlybone Balfour Warrick with their Malmaison brand

Curious design are the Architects

http://www.curiousda.com/


Urg !

Thats what I thought a while ago, but has it been confirmed anywhere?

Stewart

Thats what I thought a while ago, but has it been confirmed anywhere?

Stewart

like in the way of tender documents ?

Proposal for Torith Group premises left vacant by recession.

A vacant industrial unit in Dundee once used by the defunct Torith Group could soon rise from the ashes, creating a hub for one of the country's largest energy providers.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) wants to turn the site, on Macadam Place in the Dryburgh Industrial Estate, into two-storey offices with operational yard.

The energy giant, which supplies electricity and gas to more than 10 million homes in the UK and Ireland, has lodged a planning application with Dundee City Council.

It is to be determined by the end of next month.

An SSE spokesman said the move underlined the company's commitment to the city. He said, "We have submitted a planning application for the site.

"If we are given permission we are going to bring together our existing Scottish and Southern Energy operations in the city, along with our related company, Scotia Gas Networks, which has an office in Perrie Street."

He added, "This is good news for Dundee and really plants a stake in the ground that we are committed to the city."

If given the go-ahead, the office space will accommodate all 130 Dundee employees.

The building is also earmarked to house the latest in energy-efficient technology to cut its greenhouse emissions as well as overheads.

The spokesman said, "It would also allow us to share all our existing assets.

"It is going to be for holding existing employees at the moment but who knows what the future holds. We are a growing business and we are always looking for new opportunities."

Although it is not known how much money SSE spent in securing the site, the firm says it will make a further "significant investment" if planners give the green light.

All going well, SSE aims to open the new facility within the current financial year.

Passed through Dundee today on route to St Andrews, and I have two questions about some construction I saw going on:

1: The groundworks taking place next to the old Borders bookshop at Gallacher Centre is the prep and foundations for the new swimming pool right?

2: What is the building site right on the waterfront between Hilton and the Tay road bridge?

Passed through Dundee today on route to St Andrews, and I have two questions about some construction I saw going on:

1: The groundworks taking place next to the old Borders bookshop at Gallacher Centre is the prep and foundations for the new swimming pool right?

2: What is the building site right on the waterfront between Hilton and the Tay road bridge?


R.K. Teck, you're right for the first question- plus a multi story car park along with pool.

2. The site there at the moment is being partially used for the bridge ramp works. Last year a storm water tank was installed to help prevent flooding, so the area is still scarred from that work. I think the intention is for the land to be developed in future.

Hopefully this answers your questions? :)


While on the subject here's a pic I got of the site a month or so ago. See below:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5688553436_c5be6b1ab1_z.jpg

P.S. R.K. Teck, there are other photos of sites mentioned on Page 74 of the thread :)

Great . . . I like a good Q & A. :)

1. Are there any drawings or plans of the new travel interchange due to be built beside the station ?

2. Are there any plans to have a direct link from there to Edingburgh airport.

The design and design brief for the former Tay hotel are submitted and on line.

The design statement is a damn good read.

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchresults.aspx

Weekly application list.

The design and design brief for the former Tay hotel are submitted and on line.

The design statement is a damn good read.

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchresults.aspx

Weekly application list.

Very interesting...Thanks for the info.

From The Courier:

Former Tay Hotel's owners plan its ambitious return to old glories
A historic and protected building that also serves as the backdrop to the city's groundbreaking waterfront regeneration project could shortly be given a new lease of life.

The former Tay Hotel, which stands on the corner of Dock Street and Whitehall Crescent, is the subject of an ambitious planning application lodged by the owners, M.E.C. Services (International) Limited.

They want to reopen the six-storey sandstone building, which dates back to 1898, as a 91-bedroom boutique hotel complete with a 100-cover brasserie, private dining room, whisky snug and wine cellar.

The B-listed building, which stands in an area of outstanding value and has been closed since 1997, overlooks the £925 million waterfront project.

Its location, once ideal for passengers relying on train travel in the early part of the 20th century, will have a spectacular new attraction on its doorstep to tempt customers — the V&A at Dundee.

The museum will sit on the River Tay, a short walk away from the entrance of the Tay Hotel, and is set to herald in a new dawn for the city when it opens in 2014.

In their conservation plan, the applicant makes clear that the council's Central Waterfront Masterplan, 2001-2031, will play an integral role in its future success.

"The major issue for reuse is that of the surroundings," read the plan. "Whilst the building itself and the scheme streets have changed little, the space between the hotel and the station streets has, from the 1960s onwards, been severely degraded by traffic measures related to the road bridge.

"With the area's decline, the hotel's decline was almost inevitable."

The statement adds that unless the conflicting needs of car user and pedestrian are reconciled, and considerably more emphasis given to the pleasures of town life for people on foot, any business within the building is likely to suffer.

"Its sustainable reuse is therefore heavily dependent on the area's recovery," it adds.

There are a number of initiatives within the waterfront masterplan that address this issue, according to the applicant, including the intention to reduce the existing environmental effect of cars and parking in the area.

"The future, therefore, does hold out hope for the sustainable reuse and long-term conservation of the hotel building," they continued

History


The hotel, built for the Mathers family, well-known Dundee hoteliers, remained in that use with only one change of ownership until the 1990s when it became, for one year, a DHSS hostel. It closed in 1997 after a small fire and remained unused ever since.

With its prominent position as a gateway to the city to travellers arriving from the south, the gradual decay of the building has become something of a concern — so much so that it was placed on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland.

But in their supporting statement submitted by the Glasgow agent, Curious Design & Architecture, the applicant says their blueprint incorporates an intelligent design.

As part of their multimillion-pound vision the applicant intends to move the main entrance on to Dock Street, as well as a series of large glazed openings, helping turn the thoroughfare into an "important city boulevard."

"This proposal is discernibly new and of a high quality, contemporary design standard," the statement says.

"It reflects the symmetry of the original building and enhances it into a new, welcoming public street frontage."

Dundee City Council has set a target determination date of July 3.



Some interesting points raised. Seems like the developers have taken a step back and are putting thought into how to make the hotel work in the location, and learn from the past. Hopefully, (fingers crossed) this development will be worth the wait.

Also, note the mention of 'large glazed openings' etc- an interesting aspect? As we all know, the hotel is often the first impression for visitors coming in from the railway station, so the redevelopment is key to set off positive first impressions.

I wonder if we'll get any updated artists impressions of the new plans?

the article above states the owner as M.E.C. Services (International) Limited....who are they?

.
This is from Page 50 of this thread:-
-------------------------------------------------------------
.
There are two approved applications for the Tay Hotel -

07/00072/FUL
07/00073/LBC

http://freespace.virgin.net/b.massie/TayHotel-SW.png

Details of these applications can be found at:-

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?keyval=JCD8VTGCP5000&searchtype=PROPERTY&module=P3

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?keyval=JCD9OTGCP5000&searchtype=PROPERTY&module=P3

If you scroll down to the bottom of those pages, you will find a link, "View Associated Documents". Click on that and you can then access PDFs of plans, elevations, etc.

The architects are Nicoll Russell, for M.E.C. SERVICES (INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED, a company run by Michael Carolan, who has various property interests in the city.

-------------------------------------------------------------

M.E.C. Services (International) Ltd
78-84*Bell Street,

Dundee,

Angus.

DD1 1HW

I wonder why they have never considered building a large purpose built concert hall (8,000 capacity?) in Dundee as part of the waterfront master plan.

Glasgow is currently constructing a 12,000 seat 'National Arena' at the SECC as part of their Clydeside regeneration. But Dundee does't have a dedicated venue that could accomadate the larger acts that Aberdeen (AECC) and Glasgow (SECC) can attract.

It is highly unusual for such a city to lack such a venue, and I think it would be a good catalyst for riverside hotels, and do good for restaurants at City Quay ect, and it would allow Dundee to compete with other Scottish cities.

I wonder why they have never considered building a large purpose built concert hall (8,000 capacity?) in Dundee as part of the waterfront master plan.

Glasgow is currently constructing a 12,000 seat 'National Arena' at the SECC as part of their Clydeside regeneration. But Dundee does't have a dedicated venue that could accomadate the larger acts that Aberdeen (AECC) and Glasgow (SECC) can attract.

It is highly unusual for such a city to lack such a venue, and I think it would be a good catalyst for riverside hotels, and do good for restaurants at City Quay ect, and it would allow Dundee to compete with other Scottish cities.

Despite the Caird Hall only holding about 4000 people it is recognised by many as the BEST acoustic hall not only in Britain but the world.

Didn't realize the Caird hall was so big, but I know about it's reputation as a venue with a great atmosphere, but it doesn't get the big tours that AECC and SECC are able to get: both these places have more than 1 hall - so maybe another hall can be built at the riverside for a Sydney Opera House/Glasgow Clyde Auditorium (Armadillo) 'icon' building effect - it could work with the V&A to make Dundee Waterfront the best it can be!

.
Hi Rich B.

A seating capacity of 2,200 was in my mind, admittedly from a few years ago so I checked at:-

http://www.cairdhall.co.uk/caird/

Here's a extract of what it says:-

Caird Hall: Specifications

http://www.cairdhall.co.uk/_images/interiorseats.jpg

Caird Hall A building of great stature, the Caird Hall offers a unique blend of grandeur, heritage and traditional Scottish hospitality. Originally a purpose-built concert hall, the Caird Hall was constructed during 1914-1922. Today, the Hall has been developed to provide a most versatile venue offering modern, multi-functional facilities whilst maintaining the traditional aura of this splendid building.

The provision of moveable seating and the use of drapes enables the magnificent Caird Hall to be tailored to the specific needs of your event. With its large, well equipped stage, the Hall is particularly suitable for conferences, concerts, product launches and exhibitions. The Hall can be used as a seated venue accommodating up to 2,150 delegates theatre-style, as a standing venue or as an exhibition space of 733 square metres.

Seating Capacity____2150 or 1300 with drapes

Standing Capacity __2300 or 1600

You can see the rest of the specs at the above link.

8=)

From memory, the reason the hall is limited is due to good old H&S, I believe it is due to the number of fire escape routes. It can hold a lot more (standing) but there are not enough Fire escapes to cope.

.
The Courier should check its facts before publication.
They say,

"They want to reopen the six-storey sandstone building,"
and
"The hotel, built for the Mathers family, well-known Dundee hoteliers, remained in that use with only one change of ownership until the 1990s when it became, for one year, a DHSS hostel. It closed in 1997 after a small fire and remained unused ever since."

1. There were at least five apparent changes of ownership over the 80s and 90s - from Centre Hotels to Croft Hotels to Willis Hotels to Crown Hotels to an Egyptian family and, lastly, to the Harper family, who had operated the Galleon in Whitehall Crescent / Dock Street. It was either owned by MEC when the Harpers ran it or they sold it to MEC at some point after they began running it.

2. It never became a "DHSS hostel" - it was always operated under a hotel licence. The council paid for homeless individuals to stay there, along with students and 'wurkies' who were the other residents. When a B&B is used to house a homeless family, it doesn't suddenly become a "DHSS hostel".

3.One of the changes of ownership happened when the Egyptian owners went into liquidation in early 1994. The hotel was closed for around a year before the new owners (the Harpers / MEC) reopened it in March 1995.

4. Yes, there were a few fires during this time, most of them caused by smoking in bed, although, in one case, arson was suspected. Most of these fires caused little damage, being limited to one room (or bed) at a time but one did cause damage to a corridor. A major fire in 1993 gutted the kitchen and the Hotel was closed for around a month while repairs were carried out.

5. It didn't close in 1997 - it closed at the end of the 1999-2000 tax year, ie 5th April, 2000. Weddings, parties, etc, were still being catered for right up to the end, including the Over-30s night every Friday in the Rosemount Suite and the Quarry Rock Club on Saturdays in the Camperdown Suite.

6. On the Whitehall Crescent side, there are actually 7 storeys; the attic (6th floor) has an attic.
On the Dock Street side, there are also 7 floors, because what is the ground floor on the north side is actually two floors on the south side - Jaspers Nite Club with the Centre (Cellar) Bar on the floor below it, half above street and half below.

Since the hotel closed in 2000 (and for the few years before), there seems to have been a campaign to "diss" the hotel, even when there has been positive news.

Leading chain Malmaison has bold plans for Tay Hotel in Dundee
Leading boutique hotel chain Malmaison is behind plans to transform Dundee's landmark Tay Hotel, The Courier can reveal.

It dominates Dundee's waterfront but the building has fallen into disrepair since it shut in 1997.

Now, it looks set for a new lease of life under one of the most exclusive hotel groups in the country.

A Malmaison spokeswoman said although the deal had not yet been finalised, the company is working closely with developers to restore the building, on a prime location just yards from the proposed Victoria and Albert Museum.

She said, "It is potentially a Malmaison project. We are interested in it and we are working with the development team.

"The building was something we were very interested in and after the success of our Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen hotels, Scotland has been very good to us. Our chief executive officer Robert Cook is Scottish and so is keen to develop the Scottish market.

"They are our key reasons but I think we also see Dundee as something of an untapped market—there aren't any other boutique hotels."

A planning application for the hotel, built in 1898, was submitted to Dundee City Council last week, lodged by the building's owners, MEC Services (International) Ltd.

It wants to build a two-storey extension and re-open the hotel with 91 bedrooms complete with brasserie, private dining room, whisky snug and cellar.

Glasgow architects Curious House is responsible for the plans. It also designed the Aberdeen Malmaison and the Hotel du Vin in Edinburgh, which is owned by the same company.

Earlier this year Dundee-based developers Unicorn Property Group revealed it had plans to transform Customs House into a 104-room boutique hotel.

Dundee's waterfront area already has the Apex Hotel and Holiday Inn but local property experts say there will still be a shortage of hotel beds in the city if the two new developments go ahead.

Andy Boal, of commercial property consultants Ryden, said, "The Tay Hotel probably would not happen without the V&A. Studies show Dundee is short of hotel beds—even with the Tay Hotel and Customs House, it will still be short."

Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick believed Malmaison would be the first in a series of "big names" to come to Dundee in the coming years. "The city is firmly on the map internationally and we can expect a lot of others to be looking to set up a base in Dundee."
:cheers:

I saw Morrissey at the Caird Hall and agree it was a fantastic place to see him.

Doesn't Dundee have an ice arena already? I'm sure there was a Dundee team in the top ice hockey league, at least a few years ago.

I saw Morrissey at the Caird Hall and agree it was a fantastic place to see him.

Doesn't Dundee have an ice arena already? I'm sure there was a Dundee team in the top ice hockey league, at least a few years ago.

Yep, Dundee has an Ice Areana, I think there has only been one concert there when it first opened. I think there is an issue getting slots in it due to the busy schedule it has.

.
Hi Rich B.

A seating capacity of 2,200 was in my mind, admittedly from a few years ago so I checked at:-

http://www.cairdhall.co.uk/caird/

Here's a extract of what it says:-

Caird Hall: Specifications

http://www.cairdhall.co.uk/_images/interiorseats.jpg

Caird Hall A building of great stature, the Caird Hall offers a unique blend of grandeur, heritage and traditional Scottish hospitality. Originally a purpose-built concert hall, the Caird Hall was constructed during 1914-1922. Today, the Hall has been developed to provide a most versatile venue offering modern, multi-functional facilities whilst maintaining the traditional aura of this splendid building.

The provision of moveable seating and the use of drapes enables the magnificent Caird Hall to be tailored to the specific needs of your event. With its large, well equipped stage, the Hall is particularly suitable for conferences, concerts, product launches and exhibitions. The Hall can be used as a seated venue accommodating up to 2,150 delegates theatre-style, as a standing venue or as an exhibition space of 733 square metres.

Seating Capacity____2150 or 1300 with drapes

Standing Capacity __2300 or 1600

You can see the rest of the specs at the above link.

8=)

Hey Townie you are right I was adding the Standing and Seating Capacitys together because you can get a mix, but 2300 is probably max.

Hey,

I posted this on this thread some time ago:
...it's fairly laughable to think that the fourth largest City in Scotland doesn't have a venue to accommodate theatre arts companies and bands, etc.

People wonder why very few big productions and concerts come to dundee, but if you think about what we have currently, you can't blame booking agents for turning away from Dundee.

The Caird Hall is the only good venue (capacity wise), however a half assed attempt at turning a town hall into a performance space doesn't quite cut it- especially when you take into consideration the acoustics*, terrible staging, masking, Rigging points, production Access, sight lines and facilities to highlight only a few problems, makes the Hall a terrible venue for most events.

The Whitehall has much of the same problems due to the fact it's shell is a Cinema, and it is extremely dilapidated (out of the public's view). The capacity not adequate either.

The Rep is good theatre,as it was built to be a theatre, but they don't hire it and capacity again is an issue.

Then Dundee's left with the Little Theatre (need I say more), Gardyne Theatre (Which is again a purpose built Pros Arch theatre, but is in a college campus and only seats 390), and that's about it.

And again, for bands, they are left with the above or a choice of Fat Sam's Live (tiny stage, medium capacity) or Dundee's many make shift pubs stages.

Pretty shocking really, especially when the City portrays this image of being cultural and arts centred these days- they seem to turn away from the Caird hall criticisms and pretend it is the best venue on earth.

It also quite frustrating to see they haven't planned for any music/Arts venues on the waterfront Development plan, as it wouldn't be wrong of me to associate a good waterfront city with a good music/arts venue.

Dundee should capitalise on its central location which surely would appeal to bookers, artists and travellers alike and build a good venue, in return we would get a big boost in tourism / local spending.

I starred the gripe about acoustics as it is well documented online that the caird hall has great acoustics.
This is correct for orchestras, and acoustic performance. But is a nightmare for anything else, in comparison to modern building.

It was designed to carry sound acoustically but there is a reverb time of about 3.5 seconds which means amplified sound especially rock concerts loose clarity due to all the reflections of sound bouncing of Walls and roofs, etc. Piano concertos and organ recitals along with choirs and orchestras sound amazing.. It was designed pre sound system

The Caird hall has another downfall: the roof space- Smoke, haze and pyrotechnics can only be used sparingly as there is isolation issues in the roof, meaning that the smoke that travels into the roof can make its way to alarmed areas and set off a fire drill.
Also, on the subject of the roof and pyrotechnics: even for orchestral performances the caird hall is a bit of a risk... The famous 1812 overture which traditionally has the sound of cannon fire during it was played. Using controlled pyrotechnics called concussions (which are used very often in theatre and concerts) to create the cannon "boom". As this was happening, the roof tiles in some rooms of the caird hall couldn't cope with the pressure of the low frequencies and some fell down.
This is not conducive to a modern events venue.

The list is endless really.

Examples:

Caird hall is run by Dundee City Council. Events venues run by local authorities are just a bad idea. Yes, the caird hall functions, but that's about all it does. Could you imagine if we had a venue run by a business. It would be in its best interest to be good for monitory reasons, and would be actively selling the venue to big promoters etc. DCC doesn't do this.

Caird hall doesn't have the infrastructure to deal with big audiences all the time. By this I mean bars, toilets, ticketing and crowd control strategies, etc etc.

Just my opinion.

According to the scotsman . . .

Does this mean we have a new "Edingburgh north airport".

Salvation Army moves out of 'not fit for purpose' West Marketgait building
The Salvation Army Citadel in Dundee city centre has been closed after falling into disrepair.

The premises in West Marketgait shut its doors after Sunday's service and a spokeswoman for the organisation said worshippers would be sharing the Methodist Church on the other side of the street for the foreseeable future.

She said, "We can confirm that The Salvation Army's building in West Marketgait is now closed. Our building is no longer fit for purpose.

"We have been actively seeking new premises for Dundee Central Corps to continue its programme of worship and service to the community for a number of years but, to date, have not found suitable premises.

"The long-term future of the citadel building — which suffered significant damage in a fire in June 2006 — is in doubt as Lend Lease have plans to extend the Overgate Centre to the north-west of the existing development, which would take it in the direction of the citadel.

Salvation Army moves out of 'not fit for purpose' West Marketgait building
The Salvation Army Citadel in Dundee city centre has been closed after falling into disrepair.

The premises in West Marketgait shut its doors after Sunday's service and a spokeswoman for the organisation said worshippers would be sharing the Methodist Church on the other side of the street for the foreseeable future.

She said, "We can confirm that The Salvation Army's building in West Marketgait is now closed. Our building is no longer fit for purpose.

"We have been actively seeking new premises for Dundee Central Corps to continue its programme of worship and service to the community for a number of years but, to date, have not found suitable premises.

"The long-term future of the citadel building — which suffered significant damage in a fire in June 2006 — is in doubt as Lend Lease have plans to extend the Overgate Centre to the north-west of the existing development, which would take it in the direction of the citadel.

Thats ashame, that building despite being neglected is really good example of good modernist architecture, and despite its condition has way more style than the awful monolithic extension to the overgate which is freakin horrible

Does this mean we have a new "Edingburgh north airport".

Either that or a new "Dundee South Airport!" :nuts:

Perhaps it's a shame about losing an interesting building in the Salvation Army, but Dundee really needs to attract some quality retail, so the 'monolithic' extension may have to be endured ( personally I don't think it looks bad at all). We have to attract names like Laura Ashley, Habitat, Cath Kidston and especially John Lewis if we are to be a serious retail player. I think J Lewis would be fantastic as part of the waterfront, however.

Perhaps it's a shame about losing an interesting building in the Salvation Army, but Dundee really needs to attract some quality retail, so the 'monolithic' extension may have to be endured ( personally I don't think it looks bad at all). We have to attract names like Laura Ashley, Habitat, Cath Kidston and especially John Lewis if we are to be a serious retail player. I think J Lewis would be fantastic as part of the waterfront, however.

I think there is more chance of that extension cheapening the existing centre which has never been full and must be a quarter empty at least (for a few years) than be a sustainable retail magnet. I mean look at the Wellgate Centre, there isn't actually anything intrinsically wrong with it (for a shopping centre) except for that that it is empty. The overgate extension will completely closes off any east / west access across a large area of the city and its massing with the rotundas on each corner is completely awful. Not only that 2 listed buildings on North Lyndsay Street and the Salvation Army Building will be lost. You only need to look at the tiny budget for the project of £50 million which is tiny considering how large the project is and the A+DS report to know that it is a proect of poor quality.

Commercial property group excited by Dundee's potential
Dundee is the best-placed city in Scotland to capitalise on the offshore wind energy boom, it has been claimed.

Andy Boal, associate with commercial property company Ryden, said increased investment in renewable energy and plans to open a branch of the V&A could transform Dundee completely.

Mr Boal was speaking after the publication of Ryden's April property review, which records activity in the commercial property sector.

Although the report reveals Scotland's economy is largely stagnant, Mr Boal said there are strong grounds for optimism about Dundee's future economic health.

"I feel Dundee is on the brink of some hopefully quite exciting times, particularly in terms of renewables," Mr Boal said. "That is something for the future but we will start to see things happen over the next 12 to 18 months and 2014 is going to be a big year when we see the renewables sector take off and the V&A.

"Dundee has, for a long time, been Scotland's forgotten city and I think the V&A is going to be a big catalyst for changing people's views. It will make them notice that Dundee is worth coming to and setting up a business in."

Ryden's report warns "the foundations of Scotland's economic recovery are not yet solid," it also notes that the industrial market in Dundee is continuing to experience difficult conditions, and that the stock of existing premises continues to outstrip demand.

However, it also notes that activity could pick up over the next six months.

It states, "Any nascent recovery in the Dundee industrial property market may receive a significant boost from the expanding renewable energy sector."

It adds that Dundee's most active commercial property sector is for medium-sized open plan offices and that rents are holding up at around £150 per square metre.

However, Mr Boal said banks must start lending to businesses if the economic recovery is to continue.

This is a link to the above mentioned report.

http://www.ryden.co.uk/News/documents/68thScottishPropertyReview.pdf

Deleted by SeoulDee.

I only pass thorugh the Wellgate if I've had tp get a bus into Dundee before the football, and I have to say it is a bit of a state these days, but I'm sure it will continue to operate, even if it is only getting the grade B shops whereas the Overgate gets the grade A shops.

Remember the hidden away mall with a Greigs and many independant stores down from the new museum stays open and it's an even worse state than the Wellgate! (I think it's called 'the Forum?').

The Overgate a quarter empty? I think it is almost completely full. There are only 2 or 3 empty units out of about 80 in total. And even at that, Debenhams covers about 50% of the entire floorspace of the centre. Even the empty units have recently been vacated and will soon be occupied again. 100% occupancy is impossible to achieve as there are always national chains being bought over/closed down.

The Wellgate only appeals to budget shops. No quality high street retailer is going to open up in there. There was a report done not long ago which highlighted demand by top quality retailers in Dundee who could not find suitable premises. The Wellgate does not cut it as prime retail space any more.

Architecturally, why does the Wellgate not 'cut it ? The reason that it is full of cheap shops (and it was the main shopping venue in dundee prior to the overgate opening) is that there is not the demand in dundee for all this retail space. Unfortunately dundee has a lower than average skilled work force and there simply isn't the money here (at present) to attract the like of John Lewis. Plus the city already has quality empty retail spaces, Reform street which is one the finest Georgian shopping streets in the country has many vacant shop units which in many ways are more appropriate for the likes of your more upmarket Cath Kidston etc than a very average proposal for the Overgate. If there is a big influx of jobs in dundee with renewables etc. and demand for more retail becomes more viable lets build something which won't get torn down again in another 20 years when it becomes dated looking (along with 2 listed buildings and the salvation army block) and provide dundee with a development which actually provides vibrancy at street level instead of a wall of beige concrete blocks with crap sculptures pinned on to it.

Deleted by SeoulDee.

Courier Article...

'Perhaps the finest location of any Scottish city' — Lonely Planet guide makes friends with Dundee
An influential tourist guide has hailed Dundee and described it as a "newly confident" city with numerous attractions with which to impress visitors.



The Lonely Planet guide, trusted by travellers across the globe, also says Dundonians are "among the friendliest, most welcoming and most entertaining people you'll meet" as part of a glowing assessment.

With the development of the waterfront beginning to take shape, and the arrival of the V&A museum and boutique hotel chain Malmaison slated for the city, it is thought that Dundee could easily carve out a niche as a top "staycation" destination.

David Else, who compiled the latest edition, said, "With disposable income at an all-time low, many Brits will be opting for a UK holiday this year, but they need to shop around to get the best value.

"It's perfectly possible to have a cheap holiday in Britain, but unfortunately you can find it costs just as much as a trip abroad."

The book describes Dundee as "definitely worth a stopover," with the City Square receiving special mention for its bronze statue of Desperate Dan.

In its description of the city, the guide says, "Dundee enjoys perhaps the finest location of any Scottish city, spreading along the northern shore of the Firth of Tay, and can boast tourist attractions of national importance in Discovery Point and the Verdant Works museum.

"Add in the attractive seaside suburb of Broughty Ferry, some lively nightlife and the Dundonians themselves — among the friendliest, most welcoming and most entertaining people you'll meet."

Other attractions highlighted include the Frigate Unicorn at Victoria Dock and Broughty Castle.

Fatastic news about the Lonely Planet article, should be good for Dundee!

And hopefully the reviews should get better as more and more of the "Waterfront Vision" comes into being.

A shop such as Laura Ashley would never open in the Wellgate. That is just a fact. There was a report by Colliers a few years ago that highlighed a number of chains wanting to open in Dundee, including Laura Ashley, but there being no suitable units available despite plenty of empty units in the Wellgate at the time. By attracting the second rate shops, they have wiped out any chance of higher quality retailers. Reform Street is not a Grade A retail street. As much as the buildings look nice, its just not a shopping street. In fact, i cant think of one major retailer in that street. It's mostly banks and the like.

Seoul Dee,

If a pedestrianised Georgian street with fantastic shop frontages ending in the heart of the city at one end and at the city's most prestigious museum at the other does not give it the right to call to itself a grade A shopping area I don't know what is, take a looks at Union Street in Aberdeen and George Street in Edinburgh. You only need to take a trip to Perth to see that you don't have to have internalised shopping malls to have decent shops, recently a white stuff, fat face, lakeland etc have all opened up within traditional streets not so dissimilar to what we already have in Dundee. With regards to the Wellgate, it never set out to attract budget stores, and in the 90s had a multi million pound make over. It failed due to the opening of a newer Overgate Centre, it had nothing to do with the Wellgate itself. When the overgate gets tired and a developer decides to build a state of an art centre at the Wellgate the same thing will happen again. It is not a sustainable and clever way to develop a city because these developments don't have any intrinsic quality and have a very limited life span. Its all about short term gains for the developer.

Reform st.

Entice through incentives, shops that sell quality shoes and handbags ( Sam Thomas etc ) and town centre will take care of itself.

More quality eateries for lunch and snacks.

Encourage out in the open cafe coulture (under those huge bar umbrellas of course).

Issue licenced busker pitches. Murraygate, city square, city churches, mcmanus galleries.

Adopt a no dog except guide dog & no beggars in doorway city centre policy. :)

More quality eateries for lunch and snacks.

Nail on the head! There's not enough quality. I'm not from Dundee, but visited not that long ago. We walked the length of the main street and some of the side streets looking for somewhere to have lunch. It is a bit poor to be honest. The city centre is intrinsically lovely, but a real effort needs made to have more quality catering.

We ended up in the cafe in the McLellan, I mentioned this before, cracking stovies. You need more like this...

despite my campaigning, there's still no Pizza Express in Dundee, which is frustrating...

I'm sure as the opening of the V&A gets closer....more quality shops/eateries will become apparent?!

While many parts of Dundee may not be rolling in money, the surrounding areas such as Perthshire, StAndrews and the East Neuk, and bits of Dundee itself such as Broughty and the West End are wealthy. (The Aberdeen area is also within a daytrip). Surely these are all within easy reach of the city centre and so can't see why quality retailers shouldn't want to set up here. I still say John Lewis is the benchmark we should aim for. does the Waterfront area make provision for retail?

Deleted by SeoulDee.

Seoul Dee,

If a pedestrianised Georgian street with fantastic shop frontages ending in the heart of the city at one end and at the city's most prestigious museum at the other does not give it the right to call to itself a grade A shopping area I don't know what is, take a looks at Union Street in Aberdeen and George Street in Edinburgh. You only need to take a trip to Perth to see that you don't have to have internalised shopping malls to have decent shops, recently a white stuff, fat face, lakeland etc have all opened up within traditional streets not so dissimilar to what we already have in Dundee. With regards to the Wellgate, it never set out to attract budget stores, and in the 90s had a multi million pound make over. It failed due to the opening of a newer Overgate Centre, it had nothing to do with the Wellgate itself. When the overgate gets tired and a developer decides to build a state of an art centre at the Wellgate the same thing will happen again. It is not a sustainable and clever way to develop a city because these developments don't have any intrinsic quality and have a very limited life span. Its all about short term gains for the developer.

And Perth is part of the problem for Dundee, drawing footfall and retail spend away. Perth is marketing itself as a more niche / speciality market town which is luring the Lakelands and Fat Faces.

Stuart's bringing noodles to the Nethergate
One of Dundee's best known shop units, the former Forbes Music site in Nethergate, is to be given a new lease of life as the city's first noodle bar.

The shop, vacant since the long-established family music business folded in 2004, is to become only the second Dr Noodles in the UK — the other being opened in St Andrews last year.

Owner Stuart Crichton (33), from Monifieth, plans to open its doors on June 26 and says the outlet will create around 10 jobs.

"The building needs quite a bit of repair. It's in a bit of a state as it's been lying empty for a long time and the roof is needing a lot of work done to it," he said.

"We picked up the keys on Friday but I've been chasing this place for two years. I kept asking about it but was always told it was under offer and then in January I was told it was available again, so that was it.

"It's a fantastic building and there's a courtyard out the back as well and we've got plans for a beer garden. I'm really looking forward to getting it up and running."

The former Carnoustie High School pupil said he first got the idea for a noodle bar when he was working as a city broker in London.

"That really opened my eyes," he said. "The way people ate down there — there were plenty of noodle bars and people came out from work straight to them.

"I was always thinking I would do this and I would do that differently, then I thought, 'I'm going to open one myself.' I opened the first one in St Andrews because I've always liked the town. It's somewhere you would always go if it was a nice day, and with the student population there it was the obvious place to start.

"Touch wood, it's gone very well and hopefully the Dundee one will be just as successful. I want it to appeal to office workers and professional people as well as students — people with busy lives but who want to eat healthily.

"But I really believe it will enhance the area and, in its own way, will add to Dundee's cultural quarter."

Planning permission was already granted in 2009 to turn the store into a cafe bar and downstairs function suite. However, the previous applicant, MFM Inns Ltd of Dundee, failed to finalise the deal.

And Perth is part of the problem for Dundee, drawing footfall and retail spend away. Perth is marketing itself as a more niche / speciality market town which is luring the Lakelands and Fat Faces.

Thats exactly what I was meaning with the quote below.

Entice through incentives, shops that sell quality shoes and handbags ( Sam Thomas etc ) and town centre will take care of itself.

Perth attracts the women with spending power. They like the little speciality shops, a nice lunch and stroll.

Dundee has to attract the women with spending power and not the kids with "munchie" stalls in the Overgate. John lewis would do for a start.

What happened to the inside of the huge department store on several levels in the nethergate.
Laterly debenhams but now a couple of small shops. Is the inside of that store still empty. John Lewis, 5 years free lease !

Deleted by SeoulDee.

I was in town today and was impressed with number of shops being fitted out or about to open!

In the Overgate, Hawkins Bazaar are opening on the top floor next to LUSH, First Sport (JD Sports) are supposedly planning on adding the top floor (old HBOS) to thier shop which will give them 2 floors of retail space. The same freind who told me about JD Sports also says that Superdry are taking over the lease of the former Freespirt Unit which I think is great news. There's only 4 Superdry stores in Scotland - Glasgow x 2, Edinburgh and St Andrews).

Cafe Nero and Baguette Express have both now opened in the Murraygate and Select Retail are fitting out the old D2 unit on the High Street.

There is a fish spa opening in the Wellgate Centre.

Marco Polo's is opening next month underneth the Holiday Inn, Marks & Spencers Simply Food are opening in the Borders Unit, Boots are opening in the Kingsway West Retail Park later this year, HobbyCraft are still looking for premises, the Burgh Coffee House opens in Castle Street next month and there was people in the old Taste Fresh deli in Union Street so fingers crossed that is something good.

I was in town today and was impressed with number of shops being fitted out or about to open!

In the Overgate, Hawkins Bazaar are opening on the top floor next to LUSH, First Sport (JD Sports) are supposedly planning on adding the top floor (old HBOS) to thier shop which will give them 2 floors of retail space. The same freind who told me about JD Sports also says that Superdry are taking over the lease of the former Freespirt Unit which I think is great news. There's only 4 Superdry stores in Scotland - Glasgow x 2, Edinburgh and St Andrews).

Cafe Nero and Baguette Express have both now opened in the Murraygate and Select Retail are fitting out the old D2 unit on the High Street.

There is a fish spa opening in the Wellgate Centre.

Marco Polo's is opening next month underneth the Holiday Inn, Marks & Spencers Simply Food are opening in the Borders Unit, Boots are opening in the Kingsway West Retail Park later this year, HobbyCraft are still looking for premises, the Burgh Coffee House opens in Castle Street next month and there was people in the old Taste Fresh deli in Union Street so fingers crossed that is something good.

Good news that things are starting to pick up. Its amazing how many cafes / food places have either opened or are opening, are we feeling the V and A effect already?

I was in town today and was impressed with number of shops being fitted out or about to open!

In the Overgate, Hawkins Bazaar are opening on the top floor next to LUSH, First Sport (JD Sports) are supposedly planning on adding the top floor (old HBOS) to thier shop which will give them 2 floors of retail space. The same freind who told me about JD Sports also says that Superdry are taking over the lease of the former Freespirt Unit which I think is great news. There's only 4 Superdry stores in Scotland - Glasgow x 2, Edinburgh and St Andrews).

Cafe Nero and Baguette Express have both now opened in the Murraygate and Select Retail are fitting out the old D2 unit on the High Street.

There is a fish spa opening in the Wellgate Centre.

Marco Polo's is opening next month underneth the Holiday Inn, Marks & Spencers Simply Food are opening in the Borders Unit, Boots are opening in the Kingsway West Retail Park later this year, HobbyCraft are still looking for premises, the Burgh Coffee House opens in Castle Street next month and there was people in the old Taste Fresh deli in Union Street so fingers crossed that is something good.

Thanks s.findlay. I enjoy hearing what retail activity you uncover, there's always something going on. Good to hear the latest retail news. :)

RE: Superdry, that's a good name to come into the city and the unit in the old Freespirit unit is a great fit for the brand.

As you said Rich B it could be the V&A effect in action already. However, as has been discussed on thread recently, I wonder if the Dundee public can offer the demand to such shops as Superdry, just quite yet.

I think that's where the potential in the renewable industries could really help to benefit the wider Dundee economy. Jobs, investment etc...

Still, the news shows the interest in Dundee's retail sector :cheers:

Not at all happy with this news though . . . its Dundee`s slot.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-13413834

Not at all happy with this news though . . . its Dundee`s slot.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-13413834



Seems a bit daft, Inverness is hardly easy to get to -surely somewhere more central (like Dundee) would have been a better choice?

Seems a bit daft, Inverness is hardly easy to get to -surely somewhere more central (like Dundee) would have been a better choice?

That's the whole point surely? The whole of the north of Scotland has to hack down the A96 to Aberdeen (between 2.5 and 4 hours depending on where you are travelling from) or down the A9 to Glasgow/Edinburgh (between 3.5 and 6 hours) to pick up an Amsterdam service. Dundee is much more centrally placed to go to Aberdeen or Glasgow/Edinburgh in a fraction of the time.

Guys, I understand your frustration at Dundee not having an Amsterdam service but it shouldn't be taken out on Inverness for having secured one. The case for Inverness is much stronger.

Seems a bit daft, Inverness is hardly easy to get to -surely somewhere more central (like Dundee) would have been a better choice?

I've a feeling that this is for the benefit of foreign tourists flying to the Highlands as much as it's for us flying to Amsterdam. Most foreigners that I've spoken to have heard of the Loch Ness Monster and the Highlands. Very few of them have any knowledge or interest in Dundee.

I've a feeling that this is for the benefit of foreign tourists flying to the Highlands as much as it's for us flying to Amsterdam. Most foreigners that I've spoken to have heard of the Loch Ness Monster and the Highlands. Very few of them have any knowledge or interest in Dundee.


That sentence should have "yet" at the end :)

Yes, I've been up to loch Ness visitor centre because I had heard of Loch Ness ....what a complete waste of time, not very attractive, not woth the very long drive up.

My comment was never meant to be a derogatory remark against Inverness.

Just fraustration at the lack of any real movement down at the airport. We all know that any future growth of Dundee`s industry & tourism relies on its airport.
I was just thinking that Amsterdam will have limited slots for scottish airports and we have missed the boat . . . again.

Have a look at the HIAL website . . . .:puke:

http://www.hial.co.uk/

dufc1909 - it is natural only to want the best for your home city. IMO Inverness is not a threat to Dundee Airport, you're major problem is Edinburgh.

Updated 3D visualization of Dundee's Central Waterfront with V&A shown and improved renders http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/wf-ani/index.html

Hopefully if they ever get the planning permission/money to do the Overgate extension, John Lewis will come to Dundee as the main tennant for the extension. ;)

Do we have a start date for construction of the V&A yet? I'm excited. :)

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/14193/from-first-sketch-to-final-design-kengo-kuma-takes-audiences-on-an-architectural-journey.html

Updated 3D visualization of Dundee's Central Waterfront with V&A shown and improved renders http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/wf-ani/index.html

Cheers for that Rich B

It is also on YouTube.... I think it might be able to go and see it full screen (looks fantastic!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPP_Mozo234&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Cheers for that Rich B

It is also on YouTube.... I think it might be able to go and see it full screen (looks fantastic!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPP_Mozo234&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Some interesting observations that I noted when looking at the updated video

1. The green square appears to raised 0.5 - 1 meter above the adjacent pavements with stairs leading up to this space. I presume this is to allow underground car parking below this space. On one hand it is a good thing that the green square becomes further removed from adjacent traffic, and big stairs always bring a place to life but it certainly hinders east-west flow of people across the space, especially with the positioning of the ramps leading to to car park being centrally located on the east and west sides of the square, and the resultant barrier walls (not great).

2. Whilst I still think the curved dock looks architecturally weak and should be squared off, the curved design of Kumas promenade ties the development of the 'dock' and V and A together.

3. It appears that cafe kiosks have been located in the corners of the green square which would be a nice touch.

4. The area of dock street where the Tay Hotel is will look fantastic as a two sided street.

5. Union street and the proposed station plaza looks fantastic.

That grass park land should be good if they utilize it like shown in the video, they suggested carnivals and circuses, how about outdoor concerts given the lack of a big concert hall - T on the Tay anyone? ;)

66 murraygate dundee http://www.watco-refrigeration.co.uk

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=LKPXFRGC03700&searchtype=WEEKLY

Regarding M+S' Current premises in the city centre:
M&S Simply Food has stated that the opening of a Simply Food store within Unit 7 would not lead to any downgrading of the food offer currently available within the M&S main store in Dundee city centre, and this has also been confirmed by M&S Simply Food directly to the City Council.

It is submitted that the proposed use will contribute positively to the vitality of the retail park and indeed the city centre due to its proximity and the ability to easily carry out linked trips. The use provides additional choice to customers and strengthens the overall retail offer of the city centre and immediate environ with no impact on existing retailing given the commitment to protect the existing M&S stores.

2 Perth road:

By AiM
http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/findCaseFile.do?apptype=DC&appNumber=11/00174/LBC

http://i55.tinypic.com/2d0mgci.jpg


36 nethergate:

By Aim again. Lomond Group (Byzantium2?)

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/propdb/property/property_history_summary.aspx?module=P3&lpikeyval=000M2CGCLI000&blpukeyval=000M1XGCBU000

_______________________

Does any one know what's happening with regards to Sensation or Dundee Science Centre as it's called now.

There's stuff on AiM's website that looks interesting:

http://www.aimdesign.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/600x400/images/portfolio/dundee-science-center-5.jpg

http://www.aimdesign.co.uk/portfolio/architecture/dundee-science-centre

drove past the new olympia site today, and it's kicking off.. lots of steel work on the site looking lovely.

Anyone got any pics of the Olympia site?

A video games company that could rejuvenate the ailing sector in Dundee has taken a “crucial” step towards being up and running.

Outplay Entertainment confirmed on Wednesday that it will set up its global headquarters in the Vision Building, in the city's Greenmarket.

The social and mobile phone games company, led by brothers Douglas and Richard Hare, has ambitious plans that are to create 150 jobs in the city after Dundee got the nod over mainland Europe and the United States.

This will give the sector in Scotland’s digital capital a much needed boost after the collapse of several companies in recent years.

Last month Cohort Studios closed with the loss of 25 jobs, having laid off 27 staff last August.

That blow to the industry followed on from the collapse of Realtime Worlds last year, with around 200 people losing their jobs.

Douglas Hare, co-founder and CEO of Outplay, said: "Establishing Outplay's global headquarters was a crucial first step for the company.

“We considered various locations in North America and Europe but Dundee stood out for a number of reasons, not least the concentration of talent, comprehensive support and the level of expertise across every organisation we encountered.

“Dundee has a long and proud history of creating world-class games and we're thrilled to be locating Outplay in the city at a crucial period in the ongoing evolution of the global gaming market."

In February Outplay announced its intention to set up in the city, after the Hare brothers had more than 25 years between them working in the industry in America.

At the time, First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed the move and said it “reinforced” Scotland’s international image of being an attractive destination for businesses and investors.

Richard Hare, co-founder and president of Outplay, added: "For a social and mobile games publisher, Dundee has a great deal to offer Outplay.

“It is home to several independent developers active on these platforms and related technologies, as well as academic institutions including Abertay University, which is recognised globally as a pioneer within the interactive sector. We're delighted to be here."

A Spanish wind farm company has reaffirmed its commitment to Dundee in its latest annual report.

Gamesa, a leading wind turbine manufacturer, announced in January that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dundee City Council which outlined its intent to set up a manufacturing and maintenance base in the city.

The Basque firm intends to invest £127m to develop an offshore wind turbine business in the UK.

As well as setting up a base in Dundee, the company wants to create a research centre in Glasgow, headquarters in London and another turbine factory in the north-east of England.

If the firm's plans for Dundee go ahead, around 200 long-term jobs would be created while local politicians hope the company would attract other renewable energy firms to the city.

Since Gamesa indicated its plans for Dundee, South Korean turbine manufacturers Doosan have announced they are looking at the city as a possible site for a factory, creating up to 500 jobs.

Gamesa's annual report makes it clear their commitment to Dundee remains strong — if sites in the North Sea are developed for offshore wind farms.

It states, "Gamesa plans to make the UK the centre of its worldwide offshore wind business, with over e150 million of investment there by 2014.

"Gamesa is currently examining a number of locations in England as well as Dundee, subject to there being wind projects in the environs."

It adds, "Gamesa is currently considering locations for its centres for engineering (Glasgow) and logistics and O&M (Dundee), as part of the company's offshore development plan in the UK."

It is hoped that hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs could be created in Tayside and Fife as demand for renewable energy rises.

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few panos, testing it out..

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Cheers Magnog - it`s fairly coming on, eh?

Great pics Magnog. Much appreciated. Being out of the city at the moment, it is great to see the progress. The buildings will certainly change the look of the area!

I will try to post progress photos as well when I can during the summer.

Thanks Magnog!

Can I request pics of Dundee House if anyone is round about with a camera? I too am out of the city and have heard it's nearing completion!

Many thanks,

Adam

Thanks Magnog!

Can I request pics of Dundee House if anyone is round about with a camera? I too am out of the city and have heard it's nearing completion!

Many thanks,

Adam

Hi i managed to take a few pictures of the front when i was out today enjoying the weather.. i'll take some of the side and back when i get a chance thanks!

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Are those pictures from the car park behind the Overgate? I don't recognize that building at all? :S

Looks good anyway.



http://comprop.ehclients.com/images/article_images/Dundee-new-pool.gif

Just a reminder of what the pool will look like, certainly much nicer than Olympia, and it fits well with the line of the roundabout lane, which is smart, I like a building that fits well into it's boundry lines. :D

One thing the Olympia had that this won't was a great view out to the Tay, it was an interesting angle on the road bridge.

Are those pictures from the car park behind the Overgate? I don't recognize that building at all? :S

Looks good anyway


http://comprop.ehclients.com/images/article_images/Dundee-new-pool.gif

Just a reminder of what the pool will look like, certainly much nicer than Olympia, and it fits well with the line of the roundabout lane, which is smart, I like a building that fits well into it's boundry lines. :D

One thing the Olympia had that this won't was a great view out to the Tay, it was an interesting angle on the road bridge.

yes, overgate carpark, that is the new dundee hall building it's actually quite tall, i'll take more shots from the back etc shortly :D and the new olympia does look nice, i think it's in the wrong location, tho !

What is that grey building to the right of the new Olympia?

I'm slightly disappointed by the photographs of the new Dundee House (above). I've seen it from the back, but this is my first sighting of the front since any work began.

It looks... uneven. It's those aqua-coloured panels between the new and old sections - only on the front really. The connecting area should do more to emphasise the classical styling of the building below, perhaps with some sort of focal point at the centre. In terms of contrast, it's neither here nor there - it's too wishy-washy to be a deliberate juxtaposition, too damn ugly to blend the two sections together and too pointless to form a section in its own right.

Dundee house looks good enough from that side. I really wanted to see pictures of the "back" which is much more interesting.

Deleted by SeoulDee.

Pictures of Dundee House.


Nice photos!

I really like it! Love the glass and reflection of the sky on it- especially on the Sth Ward Road side.

Practically, I wonder how they'll keep the glass clean- with the seagulls and all that. Self cleaning glass?

A lot better than the predecessor I think.

Pictures of Dundee House.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dundeecleaning/sets/72157626775057815/

Thanks for that. The back is absolutely fabulous. I love it.

Deleted by SeoulDee.

Great pictures of Dundee House and the new Olympia guys - cheers!

.
Some more pics of the rear of Dundee House.

Must admit I find the back better looking than the Lindsay Street frontage. Methinks there's too much of a clash between the original stonework and the the glass and metal(?) cladding addition. Reminded me of the portacabin on top of the Courier building...
Surely they could have designed a more sympathetic upwards extension, instead of, seemingly, making a BOLD statement just because they could?

http://freespace.virgin.net/b.massie/2011/DundeeHouse/DSCF0007-1000x750.jpg

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Deleted by SeoulDee.

Phase 3 of riverside project has started in the past few days with major roadworks so I was hearing today?

This phase includes knocking down Olympia, The tall hated concrete council tower, and the construction of 1/2 east west boulevard/treelined avenue.

Was going into the Olympia today and looked over to the construction site just next to the Hilton - I noticed they`ve actually made a start on what will be the new exit ramp for the bridge. Looks like cars will come off quite a bit sooner than where they do now....made it seem that bit more "real" now they`ve actually started construction!

.
Don't know if this article has been posted here previously, but it's quite upbeat.

http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article3045715.ece

Some interesting photos from inside Dundee house in this article + a few other interesing ones of the land around the road bridge.
http://www.godundee.co.uk/events/1127-2/

Came accross this in the planning applications today.

11/00309/ 16/06/2011 Site For V&A Discovery Quay Riverside Drive Dundee Extension to the Riverside Walk and construction of the V & A at Dundee Museum building =Pending Consideration

took a few pictures last night as i was passing on my samsung galaxy s2 so sorry if they are not clear hard to keep my hand still!

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Great photos Magnog, some serious steelwork going on there

The should really put an underpass or bridge in at the East Marketgait to get people under/over the busy road.

It would help increase the flow of traffic on E Marketgait and hopefully make it easier/less risky for the large number of foot traffic going to the new pool - a lot will be young kids, who aren't the wisest at crossing dual carriageway!

Your pictures are good Magnog, thanks.

Regarding access to the swimming pool and carpark, I found this post from Jeff H in 2008 :

It is envisaged that car parking provision for the facility will be available within the proposals for the multi storey car park to replace the existing ground level Allan Street car park. The new Multi Storey Car Park will be adjacent to the new swimming and leisure facility at Allan Street. Access to the Multi Storey Car Park and to the Leisure facility will be via East Whale Lane, which will become one way (north-bound) at its northern end to allow for convenient Coach and Bus Drop Off facilities.

Access to East Whale Lane will be from East Dock Street via a left-turn only. Egress from East Whale Lane will be to East dock Street and Seagate again via left-turns only. This arrangement will allow vehicular access to the new facility from all directions without the introduction of potentially difficult and dangerous right turn manoeuvres. Pedestrian access will utilise the existing pedestrian crossings on East Marketgait to allow easy movement to and from the main retail core and bus stops. A new pedestrian route will be formed between the Leisure Facility and the Multi Storey Car Park which will provide direct access to these buildings and onwards to the Gallacher Retail Park which already attracts considerable pedestrian flows.

Maybe someone can post the eastport road layout plans or let us know of any changes to these proposals.

Has anyone heard anything further about the proposed renovation of the old Deacon Brodies?

I`m sure I read somewhere that Deacon Brodies is now linked to the upstairs doghouse. Its a venue in its own right and called the Pen . .or something.

On another note:

Invista bags Dundee's Wellgate Centre in EUR 35m deal
Date: 22 June 2011
Category: Retail
Clients of Invista Real Estate Investment Management (Invista) have acquired the Wellgate shopping centre in Dundee, Scotland for just over £31 mln (EUR 35 mln) in a deal said to be the largest Scottish investment transaction this year.

Scottish commercial property specialists, FG Burnett, advised Invista on the acquisition, with Cushman & Wakefield and Smith Cole Wright acting for seller Prupim.

'The city of Dundee is undergoing a major transformation with large scale investment taking place,' commented Invista's director and head of retail, Richard O'Boyle. 'This is an excellent time to gain a foothold in Dundee and we look forward to strengthening the Wellgate's position as a favourite shopping destination and to attracting new quality tenants.'

Clients of Invista also own Westhill shopping centre in Aberdeen, which is anchored by Marks & Spencer. Westhill was purchased last August in a £9 mln deal.

Yeah, I just read the article about the Wellgate in the Evening Telegraph, would be great if some investment was put into the Wellgate, maybe spruce it up a little bit (especially the brown exterior!) to attract some decent names. Would be fantastic for the city to have two major shopping malls, one at either end of the city centre - and that end of town should get busier once the new Olympia opens.

Any news on the M&S takeover of the old Borders store?

Deleted by SeoulDee.

the wellgate needs a complete new design, it's old, it's been the same for about 50 years... needs someting more modern like the overgate...

Walking around central Dundee just now, there is a lot of construction work going on which bodes well for the future, given how little construction is actually going on across Scotland at the moment.

Have to disagree there, think the Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh threads show how there's plenty of construction going on across the country.

Deleted by SeoulDee.

Have to disagree there, think the Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh threads show how there's plenty of construction going on across the country.

I dont know about Aberdeen and Glasgow but was in Edinburgh at the weekend and there is very little going on there with the large dockside projects in Granton, the Springfield project by Fountain Bridge and the retail projects off Princess Street such as the St Andrew's square project all being ' on hold' or scrapped.

the wellgate needs a complete new design, it's old, it's been the same for about 50 years... needs someting more modern like the overgate...



What they really want to do is remove the hideous brown facade at the front and replace it with glass to let as much natural light into the centre as possible.

What they really want to do is remove the hideous brown facade at the front and replace it with glass to let as much natural light into the centre as possible.

I would rather they knocked it down and put the Wellgate steps back.

I would rather they knocked it down and put the Wellgate steps back.

I would too

: From retro Dundee website.

here's the complete list of shops & businesses that were in the street in 1970. Starting from the Cowgate corner and going up on the right towards the steps :-
J.LAWRIE costumiers - BOOTS chemist - JW WHYTE spirit merchant - A.MASSEY grocers - HUNTER household store - BRITISH RELAY tv's - WATT'S music - MENZIES & SONS outfitters - CALEDONIAN TAILORS - KEN'S BAZAAR - DUDLEY'S OF DUNDEE - BANKS fruiterer - MINIT HEEL BAR - FASHION BARGAIN CENTRE - S.C.W.S furnishing - BETTY WHITE fruiterer - JS YOUNG fish merchant - HENDERSON furniture - AG KIDD baker - HENDERSON furniture - and WEST RIDING WALLPAPER.
We reach the steps here and so back down the street we go with the shops on the right :-
SMITH billiard saloon - OLGA'S hairdresser - McRAE baby linen - CHRISTIE tobacconist - CALEDONIAN TAILORS - PIGGOT butcher - ALEX SMITH furniture - CHAS STEPHEN drugstore - DISCOUNT STORE - HOUSE OF HEARING - FORESTER ARMS BAR - AMUSEMENT ARCADE - MORGAN'S STORE - LYALL grocer - RADIO RENTALS tv's - GRAFTON SPORTSWEAR - MALONE shoe repair - NELSON CREAM ICE CO confectioner - WELLGATE SNACK BAR - GREENLEES bootmaker - THOW BROS stampcutters - and CLAUDE ALEXANDER tailors. Bringing us back down to Panmure Street corner.

I see a demand once again for the butcher, baker and candlestick maker on our high st.
With the national high st chains opening larger stores in out of town retail parks, someone has to fill the space.
Service and local retail returns . . . . .

.
dufc1909 typed,
I see a demand once again for the butcher, baker and candlestick maker on our high st.
With the national high st chains opening larger stores in out of town retail parks, someone has to fill the space.
Service and local retail returns . . . . .

Yeah, I'd like to see that. I always make a point of using 'local' shops where possible, like the only general ironmonger in the city centre, in Peter Street. I could go to B&Q - but why? They don't have a shop within three minutes walk of my home...
Wouldn't TJ Hughes' HUGE unit make a good home for Lidl? And it's open to the outside for servicing - and 8pm closing. Could be an element of the rejuvenation the Wellgate Centre needs...
(Lights blue touchpaper and retires...)

Absolutly agree Townie Tam, I do the same, would rather support local than national. You recieve a far better service in most cases.

I would like to see encouragement and a reduction in rates to help stimulate growth. We know to begin with it will be coffee shops, nail bars & " Vintage Clothing" (aye right, it was the stuff I handed into the charity shop 2 weeks ago, washed and selling for £30) :), but in time, entrepreneurialism will win through.

On another note, I hear that H&H properties are about to resurrect the Riverside apartments.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/wo...026822.article

After Jane Norman’s collapse Edinburgh Woollen Mill bought the Jane Norman brand and 33 stores from administrator Zolfo Cooper.

The following stores will close:

Wood Green
Knightsbridge
Eldon Square, Newcastle
Brent Cross
Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow
Covent Garden
Touchwood, Solihull
Bullring, Birmingham
Croydon Centrale
Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh
Cork
Liffey Valley, Dublin
Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin
Corrib Shopping Centre, Galway
Bath
Chester
Doncaster
Tunbridge Wells
Wigan
Leamington Spa
St Albans
Dundalk, Ireland
Sutton Coldfield
Shrewsbury
Nuneaton
Perth
Huddersfield
Bolton
Wrexham
Ashford
Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village, Ellesmere Port
Peterborough
Cheapside

Good to see the Dundee store surviving! Dundee retail on a whole seems to be doing well compared to the other Scottish cities. Both shopping centres have new owners which show a renewed confidence in the sector (Overgate was bought by Land Securities for £141 million in November and the Wellgate was bought by Invista for £35 million two weeks ago. Both of these transactions were/are the biggest Scottish retail transactions of the year.

The city also seems to be coping well with the recession -

The Overgate - When Superdry open in August there will only be 3 empty units in the centre (two on the ground floor and one on the first floor)

Union Street - Only 1 empty unit on the street. A couple of new cafes and shops have just opened. A new coffee shop called Lily & Stone is great! I believe it is the sister cafe of BiBi's in St Andrews. Currently the street is getting £500,000 spent on it and sprucing it up.

Whitehall Street - A fairly high number of vacant units but I have heard rumours that a new restaurant is about to move into the empty unit between Jimmy Chungs and William Hill. My friend also told me that Papa Joes are thinking about expanding in the city and taking over the lease of the former Willows Coffee House, effectively doubling their current size.

Castle Street - Only two empty units on this street. Another Great new coffee shop has recently opened! It is called the Burgh Coffee House and is the sister cafe to its namesake in Stirling. Great fresh food and coffee! It is also open up 8pm each night.

Crichton Street - Fully occupied recently as the Chamber Practice (soliciters) have moved into the former BSM unit.

Nethergate - Slowly filling up. Once the Premier opens in the Nethergate news and adjoining units plus the new restaurant by Lomand Group (owners of Byzantium) that has permission in the unit next to Scott Brothers then there will be very few units left on this street.

Murraygate - Two units left after a spate of recent openings (Cafe Nero, Baguette Express, Select retail etc)

Reform Street - Again a few units left but hopefully these will be snapped up shortly

High Street - 100% occupied

Wellgate - Fairly high vacancy levels but hopefully the new owners will invest in the centre and make it commercially attractive to companies. The ground floor is 95% full which is a bonus.

Kingsway West Retail Park - 100% occupancy, also just broke into the top 30 retail parks in the UK

Kingsway East - 90% occupancy

Kingsway East Leisure Park (Odean) - new tenant named as Battlefield Live which will take up a unit next to the Odean and Energie Gym

Gallagher Retail Park - When M&S Simply Food moves in the park will be 100% occupied.

Future openings include HobbyCraft who are still looking for a site and Marco Polo's which is opening in August underneath the Holiday Inn Express.

I was also reading in the Courier that a sale is almost complete for the Stacks Leisure Park in Lochee, there is to be a £2 million investment in the Port of Dundee and Gamesa and Doosan are still looking for sites in the city

S.Findlay, thanks for all this interesting stuff, this is all really good news, just wait until the V&A comes along!

I think we should look at a Tram system! :lol:

In addition to s.findlay's excellant post it's also worth pointing out that Perth Road and the Westport are nearly full and that many of the shops, pubs and cafes are just that wee bit more interesting than what's on offer in the city centre.

A Dundee tram set up like a Park and Ride from Invergowrie to Monifieth.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4619632

Stops at:
Carpark and Tram Terminus at flat wasteland west of Airport so Perth traffic can enter city on tram,
The Airport,
V&A/Discovery,
Caird Hall,
Bus Station,
City Quay,
& Various stops in the housing estates as the tram weaves it's way to open ground east of Pitkerro Industrial estate by the A82 Arbroath Road so many commuters can use the "Park and Ride Tram" from the North.

Would be good, but not worth £500m!

I think it would be better if from the Airport it goes north (perhaps underground) to Perth Road then follow it. There isn't much public transport traffic or potential down at the Riverside and even after the regeneration project I doubt it would be enough for a tram. Also, after High street, Broughty Ferry Road is the better option.
Anyway, I doubt that there would be a tram in Dundee anywhere in the near future, as there isn't a single public transport line that generates or has the potential to generate enough traffic, as in Edinburgh's project. Still, it would be nice to see everyone's ideas, especially concerning the public transport, as although I don't use it on a daily basis, even when I'm in Dundee, I find it confusing and not well organized.
P.S. Hi all, I'm a student at the Uni of Dundee ;)

hearing strong rumours that Ryanair are buying Leuchars, and Dundee will close??:ohno: All we need is a load of tourists driving on the wrong side of these substandard roads!

Hhhmmnn . . . not so sure about the Ryanair story, it was rumoured a while back, there isnt the money in the market anymore. Besides how much would Ryanair charge for carrying golf clubs ? Dundee is in the process of an upgrade to its cargo handling facilities and environmental impact studies have been conducted into possible runway extension in the future. So I would`nt believe that Dundee will close.

On another note: I hear that the much acclaimed blue marlin restaurant in Monifieth is relocating to city quay.

Hhhmmnn . . . not so sure about the Ryanair story, it was rumoured a while back, there isnt the money in the market anymore. Besides how much would Ryanair charge for carrying golf clubs ? Dundee is in the process of an upgrade to its cargo handling facilities and environmental impact studies have been conducted into possible runway extension in the future. So I would`nt believe that Dundee will close.

On another note: I hear that the much acclaimed blue marlin restaurant in Monifieth is relocating to city quay.

I hope you are right, would much prefer Dundee airport to stay open :)

Hello all,

I've gone through all 80-odd pages of this thread in an effort to find all the Developments posted here by our community.


What I've done is put all the devs. (both building + tenancy developments) in to a spreadsheet with the following categories: Development Name Area Type Status Web Address Announced

So far I've listed 113 things into the spreadsheet, but I've made sure it's editable and would love to see it being used as a live document to be updated as more devs are announced.

-------------------------------------------------

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At285SWth_DJdDB5cEI4WFE2VFJONDJIMDBFWFo2aXc&hl=en_GB

What I'd like to see done with the spreadsheet...

With what I've done already, it would be great if I could get a hand to add to the spread sheet:


A Picture of the Development
An official website of the development


If you paste links of both pictures and links into the Google Docs address, then as soon as someone edits the document it will update for those viewing it, thus we can see instantly what parts are left blank to add in.

Then once this is Complete, I will convert the document a forum friendly view, ordered by dated, parse the pictures, etc and see if I can post it to the forums first post and keep it updated, say every week.

Thanks all!

Adam

PS. I would love to see Jeff_H posting again. His contribution to this thread is phenomenal and it's a bit tragic that he's left the board.

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Great work on the spreadsheet! However just a few thins need updated.....
Majestic Wines are nearly finished their fit-out so that should be moved to In-progress, Outplay Entertainment have moved into the Vision Building at Seabraes and a new computor games firm called Eegeo have moved into Suite 2 (centre suite with curved window and balcany) of the Westport Building (Casino building).

Great work on the spreadsheet! However just a few thins need updated.....
Majestic Wines are nearly finished their fit-out so that should be moved to In-progress, Outplay Entertainment have moved into the Vision Building at Seabraes and a new computor games firm called Eegeo have moved into Suite 2 (centre suite with curved window and balcany) of the Westport Building (Casino building).

Hey S. Findlay,

Yep, I realise things may not be correct... I have just painstakingly lifted the info off the individual posts in the thread at the time of posting, and have not changed anything unless it was obvious that there was an update.

As I said, The spread sheet is a live document, so please feel free to amend and add things as you see fit to the bottom of the sheet.

I can't do it on my own!

Many thanks,

Adam

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee/article/15462/new-restaurant-to-offer-al-fresco-eating-on-the-perth-road.html

adammcall - absolutely superb work with that spreadsheet. Seriously - fantastic stuff.

This thread, and the forumers who post here are really a credit to the city: keep up the amazing work!

Just spotted some activity at the empty former Acorn Pets store at Kingsway retail park, any ideas on who may be going in?

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http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/5901862054_05ee847871_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5901870010_18287e0538_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5156/5901301559_7e31444659_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5035/5901872122_ecb27df209_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/5901295291_a1e2b19a41_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/5901297511_ff3389a08d_b.jpg


That'll be the new Olympia

It is indeed, the new pool!

Not sure if this has been posted before?

http://www.greenroomfilms.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=86

Thanks for that Jaydot, I had`nt seen it.

Not sure what it does, where it goes, who its aimed at . . .

Thanks for that Jaydot, I had`nt seen it.

Not sure what it does, where it goes, who its aimed at . . .

Yep, left me wondering too!

Some photos of new swimming pool construction and also Tay Bridge Ramps works, taken over the last few weeks and at the end of June:
4 Taken Yesterday 12/7/11:
From City Quay
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5934117488_3cdd3b5eb8_z.jpg

At East Marketgait:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5934112290_2c0a8f0c22_z.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/5933553939_e6e699cf86_z.jpg

The last one shows how imposing the structure is going to be in the area.
The curve at the top is starting to appear on the view coming into town from East Dock St. Still no sign of multi-story carpark rising, but it can't be far away.

Does anyone know if the cladding is going to be glass? It kind of looks like that on the renders.
Here's somemore pics from weeks gone by:

New Olympia Appearing on Skyline(2/7/11):
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5934119928_ae97241be7_z.jpg
New Olympia Steelwork (19/6/11):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/5860166677_e3e36edf20_z.jpg

Tay Bridge Westbound Ramp Taking Shape (19/6/11):
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5860171789_a871b0e733_z.jpg
So developments are progressing at a pace! I can't believe how quickly the pool has risen- changes by the day. Still so much work going on in Dundee at the moment!

Cheers for the photos Urban Life, the pool has shot up at an amazing speed, an looks well... enormous. The main leaf shaped pool building will be clad in glass and polished blockwork. The glazed shell should give some good views for those climbing the stair to the flumes and diving boards right at the western end of the 'leaf's' point, even if it is just to see kids giving them abuse from the windows of the passing buses! The car park is a steel or concrete frame clad in a steel mesh/grille and the east facing facade of the pool block is mainly rendered. Here is the link to all the drawings and spec.

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/showCaseFile.do;jsessionid=0326AB05894441A5CE797DE76F38F299?action=show&appType=Planning&appNumber=09/00152/F

Whist the leaf shape is quite nice I do find it a bit strange that a building of this size is built around a petrol station and didn't incorporate it on the ground floor of the car park, with people being squeezed in past a car wash or something on their way into a 31 million pound building complex. Not really a great entrance space. If you look at the building across from the crossing at the east marketgait you will see that there is such little space between the front point of the leaf and the road (looks no more 1 metre) that it might be a real squeeze getting round that corner when the building first opens! I think the building looks much better from the northern crossing by Borders where its scale looks much more in keeping with its surroundings, and should add life to the nice wee square in front of Borders.

Not sure why the link I posted for the pool isn't working, but you can get the drawings from the Council website under application search. The planning code is 09/00152/FUL

I would like to see the garage relocated somewhere else, but to me the worse view is when you pass this great looking structure and head past the garage to come face to face with the CEMEX plant across the carriageway. Someone please offer this company a nice space somewhere else.
Arent those multi`s coming down in the next couple of weeks ?

Yeah - Sunday 31st all 4 multis come down. I fully intend to watch the demolition from the top of the Law!

Yeah - Sunday 31st all 4 multis come down. I fully intend to watch the demolition from the top of the Law!

Watching the multis getting blown up will be great, I remember watching the Ardler multis getting blown up from the Law a few years back, so was disappointed that the menzieshill lot which I actually liked were taken brick by brick to protect the vulnerable people at ninewells

I went up to see the 1st Ardler multi getting blown up - I have memories of having to run as fast as we could due to the vast dust cloud coming towards us!

A planning application for the former Borders unit has been lodged

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/findCaseFile.do?apptype=DC&appNumber=11/00343/LBC

Good to see it has kept the coffee shop on the first floor

How will Tayside House be flattened? Brick by brick or KA-BOOM?

How will Tayside House be flattened? Brick by brick or KA-BOOM?



Brick by brick, unfortunately! They can`t blow it up as the rail tunnel is below it :ohno:

Would have MUCH preferred to see it go out with an explosion myself!

Disappointed to hear on Radio Tay FM just now, the official confirmation that the RAF will be pulling out of Leuchars.

Disappointed to hear on Radio Tay FM just now, the official confirmation that the RAF will be pulling out of Leuchars.




Sad news, kinda been expecting it though. So will it now be used as an army barracks, or are Easyjet still hoping to run commercial flights out of it?

Malmaison's plans to renovate Tay Hotel given conditional approval

An iconic Dundee building is on the brink of a new dawn after city planners gave the green light to major renovation work.

The former Tay Hotel on the corner of Dock Street and Whitehall Crescent has been closed since 1997 and the stonebuilt structure has gradually fallen into a state of disrepair.

However, this looks set to change with the city council on Tuesday granting conditional approval to ambitious plans that could see the B-listed building transform into a 91-bedroom boutique hotel with brasserie, private dining room, whisky snug and cellar.

In May The Courier revealed that the luxury hotel chain Malmaison was behind the blueprint and the latest announcement marks a significant step in its efforts to open in Dundee.

In its decision statement the council wrote, "The application has been granted because the proposals shall preserve the historic character of the building while also enhancing its appearance as a landmark within the Dock Street streetscape and central conservation area."

Bosses at Malmaison were staying tight-lipped on the development. However, the council stated that the company must begin the work no later than five years from the date of the decision.

As part of its conditions the council has stated that details of the proposed stone repair and restoration works must be submitted to the local authority for written approval before work can start.

Providing it proceeds with its plans, Dundee would be home to Malmaison's 13th hotel, with others already established in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Oxford, Manchester, Newcastle and Reading.

The proposed hotel would also form part of the backdrop to the city's multi-million-pound waterfront development and be located a short walk from the new V&A Museum on the River Tay.

The council's development convener Will Dawson has said the plans — along with Unicorn Property's proposal to turn Customs House into a similarly upmarket hotel — would help to transform perceptions of the cityboth at home and abroad.

It is also anticipated that the building's development would help to turn Dundee into a leading tourist destination.

Formed in 1994, the Malmaison group is owned by MWB Group Holdings. The company also owns the Hotel du Vin chain, which includes One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow.

Wish they would hurry up and get on with it...

So is it 1.30 this coming Sunday for the Alexander Street multis coming down?

Deleted by SeoulDee.

Spotted that (re: Carpark) as well SeoulDee. It's quite tall as you said.

Luckily got some latest pics to contribute to the thread. :)
From Sunday 24th July:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/5975235134_e7dc07e288_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5974677697_53a4d5b1f3_b.jpg

Swimming Pool and Multi-Storey Appearing on Skyline:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5974680853_695a7312ee_b.jpg


Good to find out the different angles and impacts the development has on the skyline/cityscape :) The pool looks imposing coming away past the Seagate Bus Station. It's amazing how the building changes the feeling of the area.

Great photos Urban Life. Love the safedem banner from the multi`s in the background. . . .

The next stage of the transformation of Dundee's central waterfront will take three years and cost more than £11 million, the city council has confirmed.

Approval is expected next week of a project to demolish and replace the Tay Road Bridge northern ramp and create a northern boulevard that will run east-west, forming part of a new street grid between the city centre and the river.

Four companies bid for the work. The lowest price came from Sir Robert McAlpine, although it was judged to be third in terms of the quality of its tender.The firm with the highest quality ranking would have added another £1.2 million to the bill. Councillors will be asked to approve McAlpine's £8.1 million bid. Why ?When the cost of other related works is added, spending on the project is expected to total £11.3 million. However, that is less than the £14 million the Waterfront Board originally thought it might cost. So why not the highest quality ranking ?The works also include construction of traffic signals, drainage, and utility services. The council is setting aside £500,000 for dealing with any contaminated land, and £10,000 will go on an archaeological survey.

Financing is coming from the Cities Growth Fund and a contribution from Scottish Enterprise.

The Dock Street railway tunnel was strengthened to support the northern boulevard, and a storm-water tank has been built to deal with surface run-off from the new roads and buildings.

The first phase of the road bridge ramp replacement is also under way.

MSP launches online campaign to bring national football academy to Dundee
An MSP has launched a campaign to bring Scotland's new flagship national football academy to Dundee.

Labour's Jenny Marra is calling on the Scottish Government to recognise Dundee's "proud history of footballing excellence" by basing the multi-million pound centre in the city.

Ms Marra, who was elected to Holyrood through the list system in May's election, told The Courier Dundee is the "ideal" place for the planned facility, which was a key election pledge of the SNP.

The move would lead to a more equal geographic distribution of sports investment in the coming years, she said, in light of the large amount being ploughed into Glasgow as part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The call will put pressure on Dundee East MSP Shona Robison who, in her role as Commonwealth Games and sports minister, has overall responsibility for both projects.

Ms Marra has written to Ms Robison asking her to give "serious consideration" to locating the academy and associated national indoor football centre in Dundee.

"The SNP pledged a new national football academy and indoor centre in its manifesto," she said. "Shona Robison repeated this promise in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament last month. I think Dundee is the ideal place to host the national football academy and the new indoor facility.

"Dundee has a long and proud history of footballing excellence, in the professional clubs, juniors, amateurs and schools. Our clubs' glory days are known throughout Europe. With the Commonwealth Games investment based in the west, it is only fitting that Dundee gets a slice of the sports investment.

Sign up
"I would ask anyone who supports this to sign up to the campaign on my website. Dundee is the ideal place to train football stars of the future. We have two great clubs with a proud record of training and development in our community.

"I have no doubt that the whole city would welcome the national academy with open arms, be generous hosts to young footballers coming here to train, and make a great success of this exciting national initiative.

"I am urging Shona Robison to deliver for her own city and bring the future of football home to Dundee."

Ms Robison reaffirmed the Scottish Government's commitment to the creation of a national football academy, saying efforts continue.

Highlighting work already under way to improve leisure facilities in Dundee, she said, "We want all of Scotland to see both tangible benefits and a lasting legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"Dundee is already seeing improvements being made to a range of sporting facilities, including the new Olympia pool, upgraded pitches at Dundee International Sports Centre and the creation of a gymnastics centre for excellence.

"We are committed to the provision of a national football academy and are currently in discussion with the SFA and sportscotland to determine the next steps in this process."

One team in particular (they wear dark blue) would benefit from one of these!

..

I thought it was about time for some general photographs of how Dundee has transformed itself in the past 10 years, and to show in particular the amazing fusion of modern and old architecture we now have on our streets. Whilst so much of Dundee's heritage has been lost a new contemporary city is emerging in its place which is quite unique to Scotland.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2313.jpg
Luxury flats meets the old dockyard buildings
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/marineparade.jpg
Marine Parade
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2319.jpg
Dundee One and City Quay Apartments
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2307.jpg
City Quay
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2344.jpg
Unicorn House
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2425.jpg
Dundee House
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2436.jpg
Dundee House
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2456.jpg
West Port Development and Dundee House
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2460.jpg
Hawkhill
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2461.jpg
Hawkhill
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2495.jpg
Dundee House behind Park Place
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2445.jpg
Westport
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2499.jpg
Westport
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2409.jpg
Abertay
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2413.jpg
Abertay Library
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2421.jpg
Abertay Flats
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2453.jpg
Abertay Flats
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2508.jpg
Alliance Trust
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2491.jpg
University Library
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2487.jpg
Teaching Building at Dundee Uni
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2477.jpg
Teaching Building
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2479.jpg
Teaching Building
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2485.jpg
Queen Mothers Building
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2482.jpg
Sport Centre
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2340.jpg
Holiday Inn / Commercial Street
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2333.jpg
Dock Street
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2427.jpg
Ward Road
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2516.jpg
Bank of Scotland / Nethergate
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2403.jpg
McManus
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2519.jpg
Overgate
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/RichB_77/IMG_2352.jpg
New Olympia

Great photos Rich :cheers:

Great photos Rich :cheers:

Cheers, Djmac there is more i wanted to show but thought I maybe got a bit too carried away as it was...

Carry on Rich - nice for those of us who don't get to Dundee much.

Blueprint for tourism success...


VisitScotland Chairman and V&A at Dundee Director hail £45 million project

The Chairman of VisitScotland, Mike Cantlay, was in Dundee today (Wednesday, 27 July) to meet Philip Long, the recently appointed Director of V&A at Dundee.

During what was Mr Long’s first public appointment as Director, he and Mr Cantlay discussed the enormous tourism benefits that the £45 million project stands to bring the city, the region and the country.

Mr Cantlay said: “Around £2 billion worth of investment is ongoing or about to get underway in the tourism and leisure industry in Scotland, bringing thousands of new jobs and exciting new developments to the country. The V&A at Dundee is a fantastic project, not just for Dundee, but for the whole of Scotland. Next year is the Year of Creative Scotland, which will shine a spotlight on this country’s creative assets, and I’m sure the V&A at Dundee will build upon and benefit from this legacy.”



Mr Long said: “The V&A at Dundee is a project which we think can have a major impact on tourism for Dundee and for Scotland. I was delighted to welcome Mr Cantlay here today to share our vision for the project, which of course we also anticipate will be a significant economic and cultural driver for the area."

The V&A at Dundee is being delivered by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates. Its ma n function will be to showcase Scottish design talent, provide a UK base for major international touring exhibitions and promote a wider understanding and application of design. Approximately 500,000 visitors are expected in the first year, settling down to around 300,000 thereafter.

does anyone know what time the multays are getting knocked down tomorrow??

Been trying to find out for ages, can`t get any definite answer. Even tried asking on the Facebook page that Tayside Police have set up for it, even they were kind of vague!

.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTOGaTXyYio

And in a few seconds the Dundee skyline is changed forever!

What plans have they got for the ground?

And in a few seconds the Dundee skyline is changed forever!

What plans have they got for the ground?

I didn't see it live but looking online, the demolition looked spectacular. The multis were brutal aesthetically but they were landmarks- now consigned to photos!

I can't remember what plans there were for the site (I remember we discussed on the thread a while back- I think), but with it being such a big area of empty land, it will be interesting to see what would be planned.

I guess it must considered that part of the land would be given over for social housing.

What does everyone else think should be done with land? Personally, it would be good if they could incorporate more green spaces in what we know was and still is an concrete inner-city area. Also a new development has to inspire, be vibrant and allow for pride to be reinstalled. Maybe then we won't have to demolish in cycles as has been the case and inward investment could be attracted. These are just suggestions however, and I understand that there are wider social issues that extend beyond architecture.

The city council now have a large canvas to turn around the area for the better and they have to set the tone for the future of the Hilltown through this space.

#EDIT# here is pdf link to DCC outline for future development of Hilltown area- apologies if it has already been posted!# :

http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/dundeecity/uploaded_publications/publication_616.pdf

Where does all that rubble go ?

.
Thanks for the PDF link, Urban Life.

Congrats on knocking down those monstrosities Dundee, looks like some nice housing is cropping up nowadays.

And in a few seconds the Dundee skyline is changed forever!

What plans have they got for the ground?

More house like the ones on the other side of the road are planned, so nothing that will really transform the area. I miss the multis from the skyline, Dundee no longer has that tough gritty edge as seen from the bridge with all this gentrification.

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/doc/Drawing-359859.PDF?extension=.PDF&id=359859&location=VOLUME2&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=1

I miss the multis from the skyline, Dundee no longer has that tough gritty edge as seen from the bridge with all this gentrification.

Aye . . you cant please all of the people all of the time . . :)

This is just the best vid of the the demolition on the internet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju_JwFrfXpw

http://idoxwam.dundeecity.gov.uk/WAM133/doc/Drawing-359859.PDF?extension=.PDF&id=359859&location=VOLUME2&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=1

When I read about this in the Courier I was worried that it would fuck up the independant businesses on Perth Road but that doesn't look much bigger than a Spar so hopefully it'll fit into the area without having too much negative impact.

I noticed a fair amount of work taking place on the vacant site on Blackness Road, where the School used to be. Does anyone know what's going on there?

I noticed a fair amount of work taking place on the vacant site on Blackness Road, where the School used to be. Does anyone know what's going on there?[/QUOTE]

The replacement for St Joseph's and Park Place primary is getting built on the old Harris Annexe site.

got some new pictures of the olympia earlier today...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5999953320_0b6d2e9d65_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5999957456_c55d212604_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5999957456_c55d212604_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5999406529_4a6ff73d63_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5999414583_6258177f5a_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5999961354_be617d7dae_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5999960016_1598568257_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5999958670_53eab4a3cc_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5999969344_83e2b66754_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5999419767_c34800de98_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5999418095_f078e6b585_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5999416409_8e57138222_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5999972106_1ffb19630b_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5999422653_0d3e79d43b_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5999422653_0d3e79d43b_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5999419767_c34800de98_b.jpg

http://www.stormfront.co.uk/index.htm

http://www.stormfront.co.uk/dundee.htm

Stormfront, Macworld's 2011 Best Apple Re-seller, is opening up its first Scottish store in the Overgate on the 6th of July.

http://www.stormfront.co.uk/index.htm

http://www.stormfront.co.uk/dundee.htm

Stormfront, Macworld's 2011 Best Apple Re-seller, is opening up its first Scottish store in the Overgate on the 6th of July.

.....


Stormfront?

.....


Stormfront?
I just searched the web for "stormfront"

Oh.

Wow. That's almost as bad a Google Problem as US Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum has. NSFW, should you decide to google it yourself.

Hmm, just Googled it! They may want to consider changing the name of the shop slightly!

Anyone know whats happenning in the Nethergate centre. Change from business use to shops.

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=LP98CIGC68000&searchtype=WEEKLY

Hmm, just Googled it! They may want to consider changing the name of the shop slightly!

LOL..union jack anyone ?

Anyone know whats happenning in the Nethergate centre. Change from business use to shops.

http://bwarrant.dundeecity.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=LP98CIGC68000&searchtype=WEEKLY




Maybe it`s the unit right at the front that was a cafe many moons ago - could be getting turned back into another cafe?

Maybe it`s the unit right at the front that was a cafe many moons ago - could be getting turned back into another cafe?

I had a look at the drawings and it looks to me as if pretty much the entire ground floor of the centre will be turned into one very large retail unit.

Overgate - Both Superdry and Stormfront are now open, Carphone Warehouse have moved into a larger unit. There are only 3 vacant units in the Overgate Shopping Centre (2 downstairs - former Carphone Warehouse & Mango and 1 upstairs - former Marble Slab unit). Hopefully with the current high demand for units, the extension will go ahead shortly and add some much needed restaurants to the city. It would be great to get something similar to Union Square in Aberdeen where there is now a Yo Sushi, TGI Fridays, Pizza Express etc.

Wellgate - Really struggling due to the recession, lots of chains that formally had stores in the centre have went bust (Woolworths, TJ Hughes, Ethel Austin etc). The ground floor is almost full but the 1st and 2nd floors leave a lot to be desired. Hopefully the new owners of the centre will invest wisely and attract new stores.

Murraygate & High Street - Almost fully occupied, lots of recent openings - Baguette Express, Cafe Nero, Deichman, HSBC is to move into the Curry’s unit (Curry's are pulling out of British High Streets and focusing on retail parks as are Pizza Hut who in 10 years plan to have no high street restaurants in the UK and will focus solely on retail parks and shopping centres, Select etc.

Secondary Retail Streets (Union Street, Commercial Street etc) - Holding up remarkably well. New openings include Lily & Stone (sister cafe of BiBi's in St Andrews) in Union Street, the Burgh Coffee House in Castle Street, Neo Design (upmarket handmade jewellery) in Whitehall Crescent, Marco Polo Restaurant under the Holiday Inn Express, Printing.com in Commercial Street, redevelopment of the former Crabbs Electrical shop in Commercial Street 12 luxury flats, T'Ann Cupcakes & Cafe in Exchange Street, the Chamber Practise in Crichton Street, the Salty Dog in Crichton Street.

Retail & Leisure Parks - Kingsway West Retail Park - Reid Furniture has recently closed as has World of Sofa's but Wren Kitchens & Bathrooms have opened and HobbyCraft are planning on opening in the former World of Sofas unit. This would leave only 2 vacant units which I believe will be taken fairly quickly due to the popularity of the retail park (top 30 in UK and 2nd busiest in Scotland).
Camperdown Leisure Park - all leisure units/restaurants are occupied and planning permission has been granted to extend the retail park with 6 more leisure units and another 3 restaurants.
Douglas Leisure Park - Bingo, Odean, Energie and now Battlefield Live have just opened in the park. I believe that there are still 2 vacant units.
Kingsway East Retail Park - All units occupied and a Majestic Wine warehouse has recently opened around the corner from the retail park on the Arbroath Road.
Gallagher Retail Park - When M&S Simply Food move into the former Borders unit the park will be 100% full.

There are numerous other areas where there is activity such as City Quay which is almost fully occupied. The Blue Marlin seafood restaurant is relocating from Monifeth to Dundee and taking the former Bettolini's unit. Other companies that have recently moved into City Quay are MTC Media and i-Design.

Hopefully in the next 6 months we will see as much activity and hopefully the Wellgate’s fortunes will change. It would be great if Dundee got a few more upmarket retailers such as Hollister, The White Company, Lakeland, Laura Ashley etc and a few more restaurants, however I believe this will only happen if the Overgate is extended.

Lots of interesting stuff, S. Hopefully the extended Camperdown Leisure Park will include a replacement for the Megabowl which closed recently leaving Dundee without a bowling alley. I agree that it would be good if the Overgate extension were to finally happen, but given current economic conditions, who knows. The UK as a whole is struggling at the moment but it's good to see Dundee at least holding its own. Bring on the V & A. Incidentally, what has the council got against Karting Ecosse!!?

Hopefully a bowling alley is included in the plans as it would be a shame for the city not to have one. Like Chinaski, it really puzzles me as to why the go-karting centre continues to be knocked back!

While browsing the net tonight I found an interesting and rather exciting article regarding the Overgate Centre in property weekly, the article was dated August 8th 2011. It stated that the centres new owners (as of November 2010) had signed up four 'new' retailers - Superdry, Stormfront, Paperchase (still to open in the former Mango unit) and Carphone Warehouse (larger unit). It went on to say that after paperchase opens in a few months there will only be 2 empty units in the centre (roughly 900 sq ft each) and that phase 1 of Land Securities Overgate plan was almost complete (Phase 1 - 'fill in the gaps' of empty units). It then stated that phase 2 of thier plan was to commence in late Autum and that several retailers were at the 'heads of terms' stage! Could this be in preparation of the extension? I really hope so and it is great that Land Securities have given the Overgate a shot in the arm.

Source: http://www.propertyweek.com/land-securities-scores-hattrick-of-deals-at-overgate/5022891.article

Hey does anyone know anything about the Wallace Craigie Works Development on the Broughty Ferry Rd? It was postponed back in 2008 for a yr, but nothing has come about and the building just seems to be falling apart at the min ... With all the money going into the waterfront to make dundee more attractive and modern, doesnt seem great when you just have to travel 30seconds outside and you get hit in the face with falling down building and huge vast empty unused plots of land like the ones you see on the broughty ferry rd etc ...

Saw this on the Comprop web site, interesting bit about the future Overgate extension?

Lend Lease completes new HQ for Dundee City Council
Stewart McIntosh

After 22 months, UK contractor Lend Lease has completed Dundee House, the new £34 million headquarters for Dundee City Council.

Built on a former DC Thompson print works, the project has transformed the brownfield site. 12,500 m2 building incorporates a mix of both new build and a refurbished listed industrial building. The creation of an eight-storey concrete frame has produced a striking landmark for the Dundee skyline.

The building will be home to around 1000 Dundee City Council staff, including a new flagship customer centre giving the Dundee public a ‘one-stop-shop’ access to the council and its services.

The original double height printing press hall has been opened up at the ground floor to form a dramatic arcaded loggia, designed to allow connection of the ‘one-stop-shop’ reception and information area with the planned extension of the Overgate Centre in the future.

Gordon Anderson, Lend Lease’s executive general manager in Scotland, said: “The project presented a number of challenges, including the need to effectively integrate an older masonry structure with a strikingly modern new design, with part of the project requiring deep piling work.”

The project was also complicated by its busy city centre location, which created additional restrictions on the work.

“Dundee House is a distinctive addition to the city’s civic building space and a great example of modern, functional and yet economically sensible design,” said Anderson. “It was designed to provide a landmark for local people to enjoy for generations to come and we’re pleased to have been involved in the project.”

Once Dundee Council staff have completed the move into the new headquarters, its former base at Tayside House will be demolished as part of Dundee’s central waterfront development plan.

Lend Lease worked in partnership on this project with architects Reiach & Hall, structural and services engineers Buro Happold and cost consultant Turner Townsend.

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Lidl West Port store has been undergoing refurbishment and reopens tomorrow, Thursday.
The stalled Overgate extension plan doesn't seem to have bothered them...

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Lidl West Port store has been undergoing refurbishment and reopens tomorrow, Thursday.
The stalled Overgate extension plan doesn't seem to have bothered them...

It seems unlikely that the overgate extension will be happening any time soon conidering Lidls have spent a bit of money on its West Port store unless it has been subsidised by Dundee City Council.

It seems unlikely that the overgate extension will be happening any time soon conidering Lidls have spent a bit of money on its West Port store unless it has been subsidised by Dundee City Council.

Unless they know they will get adequate compensation to give up that site?................

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/dundee-house-dundee-by-reiach-and-hall/8617528.article

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/dundee-house-dundee-by-reiach-and-hall/8617528.article



Seems to be subscriber only content Rich, any chance you could copy and paste?

Reiach and Hall’s Dundee House proves that new civic buildings can be daring and retain a stately sense of the past, writes Miles Glendinning

One of the most persistent themes in the history of modern architecture has been the distrust of conventionally monumental, formal solutions for large public buildings. There have been many prominent exceptions, one only needs to think of the Lincoln Center in New York, but on the whole, anything that smacks of ‘classical formality’ is looked on with suspicion.

This poses a special challenge for national and civic government complexes, a type of building bound up with the traditional and stately. Generations of modern architects have struggled to arrive at an approach that is both flexible and socially embedded, yet still conveys an element of monumental symbolism, whether through open-planned layouts of towers and slabs in the 1960s or the more individualistic, metaphor-laden approaches of the ‘iconic’ era.

Reiach and Hall’s new Dundee House, the municipal administrative centre of Scotland’s fourth largest city, represents a new phase in the search for a modern civic architecture, a phase that rejects the meretricious egotism of ‘signature design’ and strives instead to achieve a sense of restrained urban decorum.

Complementing a nearby interwar Beaux-Arts classical complex (City Square) which houses the council’s ceremonial and legislative functions, the new building replaces a redundant postwar office tower, Tayside House, whose standalone setting on the largely undeveloped riverfront was no longer appropriate. A solution that fitted much more closely into the city fabric was required.

The easiest way of doing this was by combining urban relocation and contextualism through an ‘intervention’ slotted into a city centre regeneration gap-site and integrated with existing, usually redundant, historic structures.

This is not a new formula, and, as a stock-in-trade of starchitects in the 1990s, frequently led to disaster. Historic monuments were embedded, trophy-style, into showy confections such as Enric Miralles’ Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Indeed, some of the other competition entrants for the Dundee site proposed gestural towers, pods or blobs. But Reiach and Hall, a longstanding Scottish practice firmly rooted in 1960s Modernism, has put a very different slant on this theme.


The rather constrained focus of the site, wedged just north of the Overgate Centre, is a four-storey listed industrial building constructed in two stages from 1910 and used successively as a machine-manufacturing factory for the jute industry and a D C Thomson printing works.

It is a structure that embodies the spirit of urban accretion and civic memory. The integrity of Reiach and Hall’s approach to the existing heritage is shown by the way it is made the leitmotiv of the whole development and not tacked on, gazebo-style, as with Queensberry House in Miralles’ parliament. Austerely classical in its rows of tripartite windows and tall arches, it is transformed and ennobled into an ‘civic loggia’.

Rather than hollowed out into a shell, its linear plan is projected backwards through the depth of the building, into a complex north-south circulation and service core, which anchors the building in massive, in-situ concrete. Finally, an array of three open-plan office spurs, arranged in a slightly splayed form admits light and views over the city.

To emphasise that the industrial building has been incorporated as a whole, the rear external brick wall extends its aura over the entire building, not only exposed as the main interior wall of the circulation space, but echoed in the external brick facing of the office towers to the west.

The architects’ philosophy of combining modernity with conservative repair has a Ruskinian outlook that has, since the 1964 Venice Charter, constituted the accepted international norm for re-using old buildings.

The plan-form of the building exploits the linear layout with a cruciform circulation plan at ground-floor level and a pedestrian route zigzagging across from the loggia. Most of this is left open as a two-storey civic space with two additional floors of offices and a glazed, meeting room floor above. The intersection of the transverse route and the linear spine is marked by a multi-purpose, robustly-furnished public enquiry space, horribly titled One Stop Shop (apparently dictated by national precedent).

In previous projects, Reiach and Hall had developed this linear-plan theme, most notably at Stobhill Hospital (AJ 29.06.09), where the need for public access dictated an open, airy spine traversed by bridges and balconies. In Dundee, as the six upper floors are entirely occupied by council departments, the spine takes on a more private, enclosed form, not dissimilar to the firm’s 2003 Westport office development in Edinburgh.

An intricate web of corridors, light wells and glimpsed views dissolve gradually from dark intensity to panoramic lightness as one ascends through the building. The office spaces, subdivided and articulated by the massive spine walls and the west facade ‘tower’ incisions, also aid this framework of shifting views. Although the building accommodates a staff of almost 1,000, the structured plan ensures there are no vast corporate spaces.

Although the building, with its low-tech displacement ventilation system that pushes air up from service void floors and out through the two light-wells, fully acknowledges the carbon-reduction agenda, the architects rejected simplistic energy-led formulae as panaceas for good architecture. They insisted on the need to convey a sense of longevity and psychological sustainability.

The building embodies a loose-fit generosity of scale and uses a limited palette of enduring materials: oak, brick, stone, glass, concrete. Internally, the dominance of the rough brick of the retained building heightens this sense of permanence. In a 1960s public building, the ‘noble’ materials alone might have been sufficient to create a feeling of appropriate decorum.

Today, for good or bad, something more poetically individual is demanded. Thus the building is dotted with small artistic fragments by Gareth Fisher cast into the concrete walling slabs, as well as splashes of coloured internal walling.

Externally, the challenge is to integrate the seven-storey western office block and spine with the lower listed building to the east. This could have been an awkward juxtaposition, with a tall glazed wall rearing up behind the preserved facade, but in this case the junction is handled with unobtrusive restraint. Again, Reiach and Hall’s linear-spine concept is carried forward, avoiding the awkward front-rear disparity seen at Stobhill.

On the east side, a set-back, gold-tinted glazed attic block manages the transition from low front to high back. To the west, the strong forms of the three splayed office towers are faced with a gridded pattern of light pink Danish brick piers and precast concrete slabs.

Exploiting a plant-room floor at the top of the building, these grids are surmounted by a double-height ‘order’ of taller piers, somewhat classical in appearance and recalling the restrained rationalism of mid-century Danish and Swedish Modernism. The three towers are subtly differentiated, with the left-hand northern block emphasised by rotated piers that have a more autonomously monumental presence, intended to command a yet-to-be-formed civic square and extension of the Overgate Centre.

How does this carefully conceived project fit into the shifting landscape of contemporary architecture, both in Scotland and further afield? Does it make a distinctive contribution to today’s general movement against iconic egotism, and the corresponding search for greater integrity and decorum? We should bear in mind that the Reiach and Hall practice is a direct descendant, or survivor, of the original Modernism of the postwar years of social reconstruction.

The Modernist source from which they sprang was not the ‘late Modernism’ that anticipated iconic individualism and a reliance on poetic solutions. It was the earlier form of Modernism from the 1950s and 1960s, shaped by socially-integrated precedents of early post-war Scandinavia. It was a phase of Modernism that took for granted a decorous balance of monumental public buildings, background architecture, and buildings of intermediate character – like Dundee House.

Reiach and Hall continued building in this way throughout, and despite the showy Postmodern and neo-Modernist years, they are still doing so today through the work of a new generation of designers led by Neil Gillespie.

The sense of integrity that pervades Reiach and Hall’s Dundee complex is not just the expression of yet another fashion, a suspicion that lingers around the work of some London-based practitioners of the ‘new sobriety’. It is an imprint in the genetic code of the practice. A sense of socially embedded decorum is not unique to Reiach and Hall but is shared by other contemporary Scottish firms such as Page\Park or Malcolm Fraser.

It is not too far-fetched to see this new, confident sense of social integrity within contemporary Scottish Modernism as the architectural expression of a growing gulf between Scotland and England in social policy, as the SNP government stands aside from Westminster’s reckless assault on the welfare state south of the border.

Miles Glendinning is author of ‘Evil Empire?: The Triumph and Tragedy of Global Modernism’

Now there’s a man that can talk a lot of pish

Yes its a nice job .....don’t know about you but i felt physically sick after reading that load of cack

Deleted by SeoulDee.

Agreed! :nuts:

He must have used a thesaurus to write that. It's one thing being eloquent but that's crossed the line. An absolute croc o' shit! Is all that drivel really required to describe a fairly standard office building? :ohno:

Yep, agree. I almost understood some of it!:)