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Cheers for posting this Jeff! Some commendable aims and effort there with some good wee solid projects - hope it all pays off! :D

Damn! Jeff, I didn't realise there already was a Dundee Development thread (doh! Sorry Davey, I should have checked your index first!!) so this might be merged with it if I can get a moderator to intervene.

Sorry folks, and cheers again Jeff.

Great stuff! I've got a soft spot for Dundee, and it's brilliant to see that it's getting long-deserved investment.
Cheers for the pics and information, mate!

Wow haven't been to Dundee for ages but it has changed a lot since I was last there. i shall have to go and see this some time in the near future. Looks ace.:okay:

Wow! What a fantastic run-down of all the projects! Cheers for that!

I was in Dundee a couple of months ago; I too have a soft spot for it, and the amount that has changed over the past 4 years is amazing. It's a fantastic wee place, so it is.

This stuff looks great.

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Honestly though, Crusty, you should have known better. Tut tut :ohno:



:jk: :)

;)

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Has there been much talk in town about the proposed V&A "Guggenheim on the Tay"? I hear Kathryn Findlay is now involved, which should be interesting.

The other dundee thread has long ago died a death, so I think its ok to keep this one by itself - especially since there is so much good info in the first post, thanks! I'll have to read all that. Its been a year since I left dundee, so unfortunately I don't hear so much about it now.

Has there been any more news about Dundee Uni's giant woman statue, or has that died a death?

jeff h - I won't name names, because the person in question is quite a character, but have you ever encountered Dundee enthusiast, of around early 30s in age, who sometimes leads tours in the city centre, and especially likes taking about the old close's? (incorrect use of apostrophe, but closes doesn't look right either)
He's a touch eccentric.

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jeffh, if we had a post of the year award you'd win it for that. im amazed at how much dundee is getting, looks like its a much nicer place than when i visited about 15 years ago.

The centre of Dundee is a really friendly and fun place in my experience. Because the city isn't too big, it's retained a character and vibe that larger cities often lose.
There's also some great pubs :cheers:

There's also some great pubs

Wooo yeah. ladywell tavern - great for a quiet pint. And of course the pheonix, which for decor and atmosphere is probably the most perfect pub I've ever seen. Gets a bit busy at night though.

I had a great time in Dundee, really underrated city centre, it was just the ringroad between the waterfront and the town centre that let it down, cant wait to visit it again when this work is all complete!

If I have one dissapointement, its that the new developments are all cheap looking identikit flats - the sort of building as always think of as Ikea flats.

The development plan shows grand, even classical looking buildings, but I doubt that any like that will actually be built.

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6/6/07 from STV
An update on plans for the future development of Dundee's Central Waterfront is to be sent to the Scottish Executive as part of a bid for continuing funding.

Work on the waterfront area has already seen over £20million of investment from the private sector in the form of new commercial and hotel developments.

Council leader Kevin Keenan says continued Cities Growth funding of some £11million is needed for the next stage of infrastructure work.

That will see re-arrangement the ramps on the Tay Road Bridge and other related works so that the vision of reconnecting the city to its historic waterfront can become a reality.

Another exciting office development just announced. This is the first new build in the Central Waterfront Development area. The site was formerly part of the original Panmure Shipyard dating to circa 1837. The main element of which the patent slip is category A listed comprising a 340 foot inclined ramp, 200 feet of which was previously infilled during the construction of the Tay Bridge when the adjacent King William IV Dock (1825) and Earl Grey Dock (1837) and West Graving Docks were infilled in 1963/4. The remaining 140 foot slip is encompassed into the neighbouring Panmure Development.

1967 saw the construction of the R.N.R new shore headquarters from which the development takes its name. The building was used until 1994 and was demolished in 2004.

This site is identified for Business Use in the 30 year Masterplan. In conjunction with the development site, the adjacent sites in the thirty year plan have been masterplanned in massing terms in order to assess the overall massing of the project.

Unicorn Property Group are delighted to announce that Comprehensive Design Architects (CDA) of Moray Place in Edinburgh have been selected to design a landmark office development on the former site of HMS Camperdown at City Quay.

Dundee’s Maritime Quarter around City Quay is becoming the most attractive site in the region for offices, as the City Quay regeneration gathers pace. The announcement that CDA will be designing this important building on the banks of the Tay is a cause for excitement.

CDA enjoy a reputation for innovative yet practical design and were the architects on the recent development of Holyrood Park House in Edinburgh, near to the Scottish Parliament. They also were the designers of new building for The Scotsman newspaper, also in the capital, and in 2006 received the British Council for Offices National Award for their design of Skyways House, the HQ of Littlewoods, in Speke, Merseyside.

It is anticipated to consist of around 100,000 sqft split over a number of floors providing high quality flexible open plan offices, enjoying dramatic views over the Tay to Fife and over the Victoria Dock to the City of Dundee.

“This multi million pound project will be our most ambitious yet,” says Unicorn director, Tim Allan, “We are looking to provide a wide range of floor plates to suit potential tenants. We would anticipate a combination of prestige offices, high end leisure and restaurant units to meet the demands of the growing commercial and residential market at City Quay. Tenants will have a one off opportunity to gain access to the highest quality premises in a remarkable position, built to the highest standards”.

With integral parking, convenient location and outstanding communication links, Unicorn Property Group and CDA hope that in due course the Camperdown site will become the location of choice for companies and organisations looking for a unique waterfront location in the heart of Dundee.

Cool, i can't believe how fast the development is going. Though I just though - has the clydesdale bank building been sold to anyone yet? I always thought it was fairly scandalous they were able to sell it.

We would anticipate a combination of prestige offices, high end leisure and restaurant units to meet the demands of the growing commercial and residential market at City Quay.

How true is this? Even when I left about a year ago city quay always seemed in a fairly perilous state, quiet at the best of times, dead most times I was there. Is there any real demand for more retail space? Especially with the overgate expanding. I doubt the wellgate is full, either.

Tay Hotel Develpment plans

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Ambitious plans have been drawn-up to transform a Dundee eyesore into one of the country's most exclusive places to stay. The Tay Hotel is in line for a multi-million pound makeover. The building has been boarded up and out of business for more than 20 years. It was last used as a hostel and closed after a fire. In its heyday it was the favoured haunt of Dundee society. Now signs of decay are clear and inside things are even worse. But all this could be set to change as the owner wants to turn the B-listed building into a luxury boutique hotel, incorporating residential apartments with spectacular views.
With its strategic location and historical importance, the city's planners and conservation groups are keen to see the building rejuvenated. The plans could be considered by the council as early as August. It will take many months though, and millions of pounds, for the Tay Hotel to be grand once again.

http://www.stv.tv/content/news/tayside/display.html?id=opencms:/news/tayside/Tay_Hotel_to_get_mult-million_pound_makeover

Final phase of flats at City Quay

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Planning permission is sought to erect a development of 75 dwellings including a corner retail unit at City Quay between a new build housing development to the east and the former Panmure Shipyard buildings to the west currently being converted to housing. The development rises to a maximum height of 9 storeys and each dwelling is provided with external amenity space. Parking is Provided under a landscaped deck.

Planning permission is sought to erect a development of 75 flats including a corner retail unit. The proposed building has a “C” shape, curving from 3 storey townhouses facing Victoria Dock adjacent to the former Panmure Shipyard buildings currently being converted to housing, rising to 4 and 5 storeys on the elevation facing the FM Homes site to the east currently being developed for housing and rising to a height of 9 storeys at the south eastern corner facing the Tay. The building then drops to 6 storeys closer to the site of the launch of the “Discovery”. This “C” shaped building forms an urban block when combined with the former Panmure Shipyard buildings to the west of the site.

A public art feature is proposed at the site of the launch of the “Discovery” in conjunction with the housing development under construction to the west of the site.

Lesley Riddoch presents a video of the planning mistakes of the past and looking to the future in Dundee. This video gives an overview of the waterfront project and features Dundee luminaries Jim Spence, Brian Cox and Sheena Wellington.

http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/movies/waterfront.mp4

Together with Hazel MacLean, Richard Murphy Architects (designers of DCA) are looking at a very exciting possibility for a new railway station and commercial development for Dundee as part of the overall rejuvenation of the Dundee waterfront.

www.richardmurphyarchitects.com/news/2007/06/

A new railway station would be fantastic - I passed through it last night on the way back from aberdeen - it's such a mess but it has plenty of potential.

Are there any plans yet or is this just a rumour?


Thanks for all these updates on Dundee by the way - it's great to know whats planned for the city :)

Yeah I think the council has asked the architects to come up with design ideas to present to Network Rail who own the site. The council and local MP's MSP's have been campaigning for a while for the upgrade. Hopefully the Waterfront project can convince them that it is required.

PS did you know Dundee once had three train stations

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Dundee West (demolished in 60's)
This photograph is taken looking west along Dock Street in Dundee, with the third Dundee West Station standing proudly on the west side of South Union Street, its elegant clock tower dominating the skyline. Alexander Wilson, the Dundee amateur photographer, was obviously impressed by the building, judging by the number of times he chose it as a subject. The redstone and the Scottish baronial style made it an eyecatching building. The fore court (site of the second Dundee West station) ushered travellers into a semi-circular booking office, with direct access to the four platforms. Trains ran to Perth and thence to Glasgow or London. Dundee East provided connections to the north.

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Dundee East (demolished in 60's) - a mini Glasgow Queen Street?
Dundee East Station belonged to the Dundee and Arbroath Joint Railway and served transport for the north. It was located at Dock Street East in Dundee.

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Dundee Tay Bridge (the only survivor)
Tay Bridge Station is first listed in the Dundee Directory for 1878-79, listed under the North British Railway Company, which ran from Berwick and Carlisle to Dundee and Perth. The covered walkways are still a feature of the south side of Dundee Tay Bridge Station, which is the only mainline railway station in the City.
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Dundee Tay Bridge modern day incarnation modified in 80's

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DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL has released details of proposed new exit ramp arrangements on the Dundee side of the Tay Road Bridge that will form part of the central waterfront project.

The realignment of the ramps is a key element that will free up ground in the bridge landfall area for further development. Approval was given at a meeting of the Tay Road Bridge joint board earlier this month for the transfer of a plot of ground to the council to accommodate a new west-bound exit ramp.

This will have a tighter radius than the existing ramp and will link up with Riverside Drive. The exit ramp for traffic heading eastwards will flow into South Marketgait near the bottom of Commercial Street.

In the process of building the new ramps, the existing exit road for eastbound traffic, which curves around to join up with South Marketgait, will be removed. The computer-generated drawing produced by the city council indicates how parcels of land might be developed around the bridge ramps.

Forgive my ignorance, but is the Tay Bridge a well travelled artery? I know it connects to East and central Fife, but theres not a huge population base there like there is for the Forth Road Bridge.... Surely most people from the south make their way to Fundee on the A90?

The average daily traffic flow on the Tay Bridge is 12,157 vehicles.

Whoa... precise.

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On this image, does anyone know what is signified by the colour of the new developments? White...green...and is that a blue building?

I believe the original idea was to have dual carriageway all the way through Fife (A92) to join up to the M90 at Dunfermline. The road is dualled south of Glenrothes but the 25 miles beyond is single carriageway apart from a couple of miles at Fife end of the Tay Bridge.

Most traffic does come via Perth but Fife route is 10 miles shorter but due to lack of dual carriageway between Dundee and Glenrothes it isn't quicker.

It will be interesting to see how the council stage the project as the bridge is a nightmare between 8 and 9:30am and 4-6pm mainly due to traffic queing for the tolls although Nicol Stephen would argue against that!

Mediadave the focus at City Quay has changed to offices and restaurants rather than retail once complete there will be 750 flats. The Clydesdale Bank is still for let although Barrhead Travel moved in to rear of building to join Fast Frame just recently. No idea what colours mean possibly green - offices, white - leisure and blue - housing?

Cool, thanks.

Boards - way to precise for my liking!



Just for reference, the Forth Road Bridge carries over 70,000 vehicles a day.

I'm a stickler for detail. Its a tolled bridge - not exactly difficult to get a very precise measurement! Just for reference, Kingston Bridge 173,000 vehicles a day, M25 at its busiest section 177,000. DFT 2006 figures, that makes the bridge the busiest stretch in the UK after that section of the M25 at Heathrow, laugh is they take the reading on the southern approach to the bridge, must be packing 200'000 a day if they measured all ten lanes rather than six, god knows what it would carry if it wasn't limited access too!

Images from Reiach and Hall Architects of Dundee House - Dundee City Council's new HQ in North Lindsay Street due for completion late '09

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Has this changed during design development? I seem to remember the back facade being less regular?

Dont think so I'll post more pics when I get a chance its 3 pods at the back onto the original DC Thomsson B listed warehouse onto North Lindsay Street.

Some of Dundee's new architecture, its spinging up all over!

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Maggies Centre (Tom Macdonald Avenue) Frank Gehry's reinterpretation of a Scottish Broch: Signature architecture of shiny surfaces on 'vernacular' base. Gehry was selected to design Dundee Maggies Centre by friend Charles Jencks and his late wife, Maggie Keswick-Jencks - who died of cancer and set about creating civilised buildings for people learning to cope with cancer. James F Stephen architects (2003)

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Vision (Greenmarket) Conversion of former Jute Mill to create vibrant, contemporary office and communal space for digital media industry. Keppie Design (2005)

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Dundee Contemporary Arts (Nethergate) forms a major part of the re-establishment of the cultural identity of the City of Dundee. It has succeeded in making a public arts venue which is inclusive and enticing and encourages interaction between the public and many forms of visual arts. To quote the Sunday Times (7th March 1999) It is one of the most satisfying, sublime and stylish public buildings opened in years. Richard Murphy Architects (1999)

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Queen Mother Building (Balfour Street). Distinguished by eight white towers at its corners, this remarkable new building, opened by HRH the Princess Royal in March, houses the University of Dundee's School of Computing. Facilities include the User Centre for older computer users and the Wolfson Research Theatre. Research interests in assistive and healthcare systems, computational systems, the design of interactive systems and in space technology. Page and Park Architects (2005)

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Heathfield (Hawkhill) is located centrally on the main campus and yet only 10 minutes walk from the city centre, adjacent to the University sports hall, tennis courts, swimming pool, Students Association, Main Library and the Chaplaincy Centre. (2007)

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Borders Grade A Listed building (East Dock Street) (2006)

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Abertay University (Bell Street) Landmark new building defining the south side of the university's city centre campus, providing some of the best social and cultural facilities of any university in Scotland. The building includes bars, a bistro, shop, nightclub, theatre and exhibition space, as well as offices for the Students' Association and welfare services. The Parr Partnership (2005)

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Abertay University Library (Bell Street) The Parr Partnership (1998)

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The brief for this development was to design a purpose built facility for the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, which would act as there Regional Headquarters and Hearing Centre. The building is located in a prominent city centre location, on the corner of Exchange Street and Commercial Street, which makes up part of the Dundee City Centre Conservation area. Prior to work commencing the site was a longstanding vacant corner site, requiring re-development to infill an unsightly gap in the streetscape. (2005)

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Recently completed (2006) apartments in Ward Road and North Lindsay Street.

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The Hub Hawkhill (2006)

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Quadrant House (Riverside Drive) Following the successful completion of Compass House in 2002, this 29,000ft² new building accommodates Scottish Executive's Care Commission, Social Services Council and Charities Regulator adjacent to Compass House on the banks of the River Tay. The 2 buildings are linked by an elegantly designed 3 storey glazed structure, which allows easy access between the buildings while maintaining the important vistas from Dundee City Centre to the River Tay beyond. Detailed discussions with each Scottish Executive department ensured that the internal space planning was tailored to suit each department's specific requirements while accommodating the drive towards 'efficient' government buildings. The design and specification of the offices achieves a 'Very Good' BREEAM rating. (2005)

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Dundee University Teaching and Education HQ (2007)

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Mcmanus Galleries Refurb and pedestrianisation coming along

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Construction continuing apace at City Quay

Heres me talking about airports again lol, but I’m in Dundee a lot, usually at least once a month and I’m always asking myself why Dundee Airport is so small and underdeveloped.

Dundee is the fourth largest city in Scotland yet its airport is far smaller and quieter than places like Inverness, Wick, Islay and Campbeltown etc.

The airport has a potential that is currently not being met, daily flights to Dublin and Amsterdam could work well, compliment the existing flights to London City and Birmingham. If KLM can fly daily to Humberside from Amsterdam then why not Dundee?

I’m sure the students of Dundee would support a service to Amsterdam and indeed Dublin plus with KLM offering connections at Amsterdam, it would bring the world closer to Dundee and take away many car journeys to Glasgow and even English airports.

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Historically the airport has been run by the City Council until September 2007 when HIAL take it over. ScotAirways have flew to London for a while with Whoosh having recently introduced flights to Belfast and Birmingham.

There is potential to enlarge the runway towards the City Centre, no idea how this would effect the flightpath for larger aircraft. However it can't be extended west due to former Riverside Landfill site. Another bonus is that the East Coast Railway Line passes right by front door surely an airport station could be established if business snowballed?

There is a huge catchment area (600,000) that would prevent traffic crossing the Forth Bridge to reach Edinburgh particularly from Fife. It does beg the question you ask Glasgowman. I am afraid I have no answers!

I recently went to Dundee by train for the first time and was shoicked by the station.

The buildings outside is bad enough but down at the platforms it is so dingy. The inside is a little better.

I don't think I would be too far off in saying that it wasn't better than Kirkcaldy's for serving the area other than having more platforms!

Dundee Station Redevelopment. MRC McLean Hazel are commissioned by Dundee City Council to carry out a study on the redevelopment of Dundee Railway Station. This involved examining the development potential, the design of the station and the urban streetscape, how it fits into the Waterfront development and the phasing of the development and the funding and delivery mechanisms that could be used to bring the project to fruition and create a high quality arrival point.

Another redevelopment

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Grade A Listed Tay Spinner Works - Erection of 44 no. Flatted Development with Underground Residential Parking.

Old Mill Complex Brown Street

Partial demolition, alterations and extension to buildings to provide new student accommodation - plans withdrawn

I don't want to knock anyone's civic pride or anything, but a lot of the stuff on this thread is unbelievably bad. The student accommodation above as an example. I mean really - what did they even do the graphics in? MacPaint?

Courtesy Evening Telegraph

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31 July 2007
New council HQ plan lodged

The design of the new Dundee City Council buildings.

Construction of the new £30 million headquarters for Dundee City Council is scheduled to start in the first half of next year (writes Brian Allison, local government reporter).
A planning application for the building, which will replace the unloved Tayside House, has been lodged and should go before the council’s development quality committee in the autumn.

If planning permission is approved, construction on the site in North Lindsay Street is intended to start in May next year and last for two years, including fitting out the new building.

Moving almost 1000 staff from Tayside House to the new headquarters is expected to take around six weeks, with Dundee House becoming fully operational by the summer of 2010.

It had originally been intended that Dundee House would be home to 820 council staff but that figure was revised upwards to include more than 100 revenues division staff, previously to have been accommodated in City House in the Overgate.

Increasing the scale of the new building to take the extra staff and applying an allowance for inflation at 2009/10 prices, pushed the projected cost of Dundee House up by around £5m to £30 million.

Depute chief executive (finance) David Dorward said an option appraisal had shown it would cost £210,000 a year to have the revenues division staff occupying three floors of City House, whereas the additional finance charges and operating costs of putting them in Dundee House is about £160,000 a year.

In light of those figures, and the view that it would be more operationally effective to have all the revenues staff in one building, it was decided to change the Dundee House plans to take a total of 925 staff.

Once the move to the new headquarters has been completed, the council intends to demolish the 16-storey Tayside House. The 1970s’ structure, built as the HQ of the former Tayside Regional Council, was voted Dundee’s most unpopular building in a survey carried out a few years ago.

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24 July 2007
New flats plan for former seamen’s home

The former Seamen’s Mission in Dock Street.

A Dundee architect is proposing to revamp an historic listed building in the city’s Dock Street by converting it into 12 flats (writes Jennifer Cosgrove).
Peter Inglis, of Peter Inglis Architects in Tay Street, originally had plans approved last year to turn the upper floors of Unicorn House, the former Seamen’s Mission, into nine large flats.

However, in a recent planning application submitted to the council, Mr Inglis has departed from the original four bedroom set-up, substituting two and three bedroom flats aimed at young professionals.

Two vacant retail units at street level are not included in the conversion plans.

Mr Inglis said, “Unicorn House is listed, so its external appearance would be retained. It’s made of sandstone, and it would be given a tidy-up.”

He said, with the growth and development of the docks and the City Quay, and the future waterfront development plans, the restored building would become significant once more, alongside structures such as the Customs House.

Inside the building, the rooms have some period features that would also be retained.

Plans approved last year included a proposal to convert the former Seamen’s Chapel in Candle Lane — also a listed building — into office accommodation. This will still be carried out if new planning permission is granted.

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Young and Gault's proposals at City Quay create a bold modern development in the dundee city waterfront culminating in a 15 storey high tower at the entrance to the harbour. All flats are modern in design with large areas of glazing. The majority of flats will have panormaic views of the Tay Estuary. Full planning was granted in December 2005. Phase 5a - Construction began in January 2007.

The 15 storey tower will be final phase construction to commence soon (developer FM Develpments Edinburgh)

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3/8/2007

Uni student village deal

An artist’s impression of the proposed new student flats.

Construction of Abertay University’s long-awaited new student accommodation is to start in the New Year.

The university announced today it has struck a £20m deal with the Manchester-based Opal Property Group Ltd which will see the construction of a new 500-bed student village.

Opal is purchasing the 1.48-acre site at Parker Street for which Abertay secured planning permission last year, and also the building designs and plans that Abertay commissioned from Edinburgh architects Hurd Rolland Partnership.

Under the terms of the deal, Opal will fund the construction of the 10-storey building, and will then lease back as many bedrooms as required by Abertay.

It is expected most if not all the rooms, which will be arranged in 89 five-bedroom flats and nine seven-bedroom, will be taken by the university and the building will be “badged” with the university logo as part of the Abertay campus.

Professor Nicholas Terry, Vice-Principal (Planning & Resources) at the university, said, “This is an extremely good deal for Abertay. The Parker Street development will be a brand-new, contemporary accommodation complex located just a short walk from our city centre campus and fitted out to a very high standard.

“Working with an experienced and successful specialist developer like Opal means we avoid the risks associated with funding and developing a student village ourselves, yet we will retain the ability to offer the highest quality accommodation possible.”

Opal is the UK’s largest private provider of student accommodation, with 17,000 student beds in either operation or development.

The deal with Abertay will be Opal’s first foray into Scotland.

Craig Mellor, finance director of Opal Property Group, said, “A deal has been structured which ensures the risks associated with such a project have been transferred away from the university.

“We are delighted to be delivering this scheme which will include a common room with Sky TV, as well as superfast broadband in each en-suite bedroom.”

The original plans for the Parker Street complex, overlooking Dudhope roundabout, were rejected by the city council in 2004 after objections from local residents.

Abertay controversially declared, if it could not build the flats on the site, it would consider leaving Dundee for a new campus in Perth or Fife, but that threat was not carried out and a revised plan was eventually approved.

The facility, which was originally scheduled for opening next summer, is now due to open its doors in time for the 2009/10 academic year.

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Due for completion in 2009, this project entails the provision of high-quality accommodation for 498 students sited in a prominent, steeply-sloping location. It has been designed in accordance with the city-centre planning brief, which aspires to achieve new buildings of a high standard with a positive impact on their surroundings. The contract programme of 15 months requires the use of a tunnel form of construction to allow for rapid completion and occupation.

________________

Looks more Costa Brava than Dundee!!!

I think i'll get my Skatebord Squad to test that roof up there lol.

http://www.64mm.com/title2.jpg

I think i'll get my Skatebord Squad to test that roof up there lol.

http://www.64mm.com/title2.jpg
:lol:

That is the most random thing I've ever read on here Mo - classic :)

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View of South Marketgait with new office buildings

I have my tickets to discover more about whodunnit did the Tay Bridge kill Dundee's waterfront with BBC presenter Lesley Riddoch in a couple of weeks

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City Quay Masterplan

With the development of the former docklands, and the dedicated investment in the City’s 30 year regeneration plan from the Council and the Scottish Executive and already home to the Apex Hotel & Spa and the nearby shops, cafes and offices around the Victoria Dock, City Quay is a success story that will work its way west along the river. City Quay has a vital role to play in the waterfront development he quality of design and attention to detail shown here has set the standard for the rest of the waterfront regeneration.

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Seabraes Yards - Dundee Digital Media Park

The site of the former railway goods yards in Dundee city centre is being transformed into one of Scotland's most high profile and important investment projects.

Thanks to a partnership between Scottish Enterprise Tayside and private and public sector organisations, more than £50 million will be injected into the area to create a new creative media district - Seabraes Yards.

I'm so jealous of your waterfront Digital Media Campus, wish Glasgow would hurry up with PQ. :ohno:

Really well done with that you all deserve it. :)

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15 August 2007

‘Bridge to nowhere’ in line for removal

The unsightly walkway at Dundee rail station — described as “the bridge to nowhere” — could be removed before Christmas.

Travellers frequently complain the station is not befitting of a city of Dundee’s size and status, while politicians of all parties have been fighting hard for an upgrade. The walkway is a further blight on the below-par station.

Station bosses face an anxious wait to discover whether or not the station will be the recipient of major investment from transport group National Express after it won the battle to run the London to Scotland rail franchise this week.

In the meantime, the city council’s planning & transport committee has given its approval for the council to enter into an asset protection agreement with station managers Network Rail to hopefully see the walkway removed before the year is out.

It is necessary to obtain the approval of Network Rail for its removal as the remaining part adjoins the station building.

There was outrage back in April when it was revealed Dundee missed out on a share of a £300 million investment from Network Rail — with no major improvements planned for the next 10 years.

However, the company did say it was planning an investment of approximately £500,000 in Dundee Station in 2009/2010 for renewal work on the roof and platforms and a new departure board.

The new National Express deal has offered new hope the city will see major station modernisations sooner than expected.

As part of the firm’s winning bid they have committed £7.4 million to upgrading stations along the line, raising hopes Dundee Station could be in line for a makeover.

WTF does who runs the ECML franchise have to do with Dundee station? It is owned by Network Rail and run by First ScotRail, and gets all of, what, 6 GNER trains a day?

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Working with established client, Sir Arnold Clark, a review of the existing car retail showrooms in Dundee city centre was undertaken. The site at Trades Lane, previously converted to car retail use by Wellwood Leslie, was identified as having potential for redevelopment. Within the current Dundee City Council Local Plan, which identifies the city centre as a housing action area, a proposal to consider a flatted development on the site was established.

Development options for the site were considered including an option to retain car retail use on the ground floor. However, economic and planning considerations led to a final scheme for 32 flats on four floors being proposed. Further consideration with the planning authorities helped to integrate the design into the surrounding townscape. The scheme is intended to stimulate development in this neglected area of the city centre, helping to connect new developments at City Quay with the retail core at Seagate/Murraygate. Further integration of townscape and heritage was achieved by retaining but relocating the historic arched entrance to the former storage buildings on Trades Lane. This historic feature is proposed to be located as a centrepiece to the landscaped court to the rear of the site.

Detailed design required consideration of the relationship between the flats and the adjacent Strathtay Omnibuses garage. The building form was manipulated to reduce sound transmission and highly insulating windows specified. Detailed planning consent was granted in early 2006. The development was then marketed and sold by our client to specialist housing developers. The project represents Wellwood Leslie’s commitment to work in partnership with established clients to add value to their property portfolios by creative design and development analysis. Planning Consent Granted—March, 2006. Due for completion March 2008.

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27 August 2007

Dundee flat may sell for £1 million

An artist’s impression of The Wave.

Rocketing house prices could see the sale of the first £1 million flat in Dundee.

Developers FM Homes say they believe the three-bedroom penthouse apartment in their new development at City Quay, called The Wave, could be the first flat to break through the six-figure barrier.

FM Homes claim The Wave is one of the most ambitious residential building projects Dundee has seen in decades.

The 15-storey development will form an elliptical tower housing 25 luxury two-bedroom apartments as well as the penthouse.

Each flat will have views across the Tay.

Tom Buchanan, group sales and marketing director for FM Homes, said, “We are very excited to launch the final stage of our City Quay developments, particularly as this is the first of its kind to be constructed in Dundee.

“The Wave will complete what has been a very successful project; we sold all of our phase one and two apartments in record time and are expecting similar success with this phase.

“The Wave is the perfect choice for homebuyers seeking a modern and stylish property in one of Dundee’s most sought-after areas.”

FM Homes has completed two earlier developments at City Quay — Merchant’s Quay and Southern Wharf.

Prices for flats in their latest development will start at a wallet-busting £275,000.

Helen Wylie, manager of the Tayside Solicitors Property Centre, said several properties in Dundee had sold for more than £1 million, but these were all larger properties or prime development opportunities rather than luxury apartments.

“We’ve had a number of properties, but they tend to be big, old properties as opposed to penthouse flats,” she said.

However, Mrs Wylie said there was every chance the penthouse could sell for more than £1 million.

“There might just be somebody prepared to pay the money for it,” she added.

That looks great! Thanks for posting :)

Has it been submitted for approval yet, or is this still just a proposal?

Oooooooooooo a 360 degree backflip on that one for definite. :wink2:

COWABUNGA

http://www.prepx.com/seven/Skateboarder.GIF

That looks great! Thanks for posting

Has it been submitted for approval yet, or is this still just a proposal?


Full planning was granted in December 2005.

Client FM Developments residential Phase 5b
Project cost £13 million
Expected on site Summer 2007

www.youngandgault.co.uk

Construction has started on phase 5a however I can't quite see if they have started on the tower I'll try and get pics over weekend!

Nice one, thanks jeff!

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Mo - you're in quite the random mood today, eh? :)

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In 1910, Dundee city architect and engineer, James Thomson, created an integrated 50-year vision to make Dundee the Venice of the North.

The vision included new plans for the city's central area - from the High Street to the shoreline of the River Tay:
i) widening and realigning streets to open up new vistas and spaces
ii) a new covered public market behind the old town house in the High Street
iii) a Christopher Wren style Civic Centre and 60 acres of parkland on reclaimed land at the foreshore
iv) a road bridge over the River Tay on the foundations of the old rail bridge.

After the First World War, post war inflation together with shortages of men and materials shifted the prevailing mood to other priorities.

Winston Churchill - the then Member of Parliament supported Dundee’s seafaring traditions, and posted a flotilla of small submarines to Dundee Harbour in 1912.

Consequently Dundee Harbour Trust chose to retain the dockland area Thomson needed for his improvement plans. Thomson's amended plans for a civic hall, municipal offices and underground market hall, attracted the interest of Sir James Caird who had gifted the Caird Park to the city. The result is Dundee's Caird Hall and city square as it exists today.

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Taybridge (1965) being built. Dental Hospital(left) Old Med Building(centre) Belmont Hall Residence, being constructed

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Victoria Arch (1963) before demolition, Caird Hall; St.Paul's Steeple in background

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Victoria Arch (1964) View of demolition of Arch large crane behind, view of No 7 bus

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Overgate (1964) foundations of new centre, City centre, St.Paul's Steeple and new Imperial Hotel(later demolished)

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City Square (1960) Monk's Tower; and other buildings before demolition

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View from Old Steeple (1958) Showing ferry boat Fifie on river and Dundee West Station

__________________________

I recently attended Lesley Riddoch's film about who made the mess of Dundee Watrefront and the audience sense of anger at the demolitions in the 60's specifically the Overgate, Royal Arch and Dundee West Station which destroyed the heart of the city were obvious. James Thomson's ideas would have been amazing but Winston Churchill got the blame for puttin pay to his grand plans, large murals of which can be seen in the Queens Hotel Dundee.

Excellent stuff Jeff! Always thought the demo of the Victoria Arch was tragic - why was it done, was there a specific reason do you know?

There didn't seem to be a particular reason but I can't believe nobody at the time tried to take a stance and say hang on a moment you can't demolish that...can you imagine that happening nowadays? Apparently there was alot of corruption in the council at the time selling off parcels of land at a profit and they didn't care if they demolished buildings which if still standing today the majority would be A or B listed. If I win the lottery I will pay for a replica to be rebuilt as part of the new waterfront!

It's baffling really, at the very least they could have moved it! Anyway, I could imagine it happening today, in this city anyway!

If I win the lottery I will pay for a replica to be rebuilt as part of the new waterfront!

name and address please - I'll hold you to that ;) haha

Or I will strategically remove the ones at Royal Exchange Square and John Street behind the City Chambers and re-erect them in Dundee!

:hahano:

over my dead online-persona!

take the contents of the Chambers aand erect them where you like tho! ;)

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A MAJOR pre-let has been achieved on a landmark development on a city centre site in Dundee. Grosvenor Casinos, part of the Rank Group, has taken space on the ground, first and mezzanine floors at phase two of the £20 million Marketgait development, which will also include a bar, restaurant, shops and serviced apartments.

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For over 130 years the Clocktower has been a landmark dominating the waterfront of the port of Dundee. Built in 1877 so that its clock was visible to any vessel alongside the harbour or in the mouth of the Tay, the clocktower provide unparalleled views across the city and river. The Clocktower served as a huge warehouse, a cathedral of commerce, built in Victorian age. Arcing barrel vaulted ceilings and stout, case iron pillars throughout bear witness to the craftmanship and care that went into the building of this unique landmark. Unicorn Proprty Group are to create 12 luxuriously appointed apartments and penthouses in a beautiful Scottish landmark. The Clock Tower converted to an exceptionally high specification will afford discerning buyers an excellent investment opportunity in the Waterfront location.

Green light for £30m council HQ



Proposals for a new multi-million pound headquarters for Dundee City Council have been approved.

The local authority has granted planning permission for the development in the city's North Lindsay Street.

Construction work is expected to start in May next year, with the £30m offices due to open by 2010.

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The decision means Tayside House, the council's current headquarters which was once has voted Dundee's most unpopular building, can be demolished.

The council's development quality committee unanimously approved two applications for planning permission for the North Lindsay Street site.

They were recommended by planning and transportation director Mike Galloway, who called the proposals "an exciting design solution to the development of this visually important and prominent city centre site".

About 1,000 staff will be accommodated in the new offices, which will be known as Dundee House.

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Jet Garage West Marketgait Dundee

Outline Application for Mixed Use Development of Ground Floor Retail, Student Accommodation (152 Beds), Access, Parking and Associated Ancillary Development

Project Summary submitted to Scottish Government

An overall twelve-year master programme of works has been prepared for the delivery of the infrastructure to support this project. Within this programme there are identified a number of individual projects which are required to be carried out in a phased manner to allow a sensible implementation of the programme whilst at the same time ensuring that development plots are brought forward in a phased manner.

The first section of construction work commenced on site in April 2005 with the Western Road Re-alignmentproject. Some remaining minor works and landscaping relating to this were completed in 2006-2007. The last remaining piece of the station footbridge will be demolished by end of 2007.

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An Asset Protection Agreement was signed with Network Rail and the contract to strengthen the Dock Street rail tunnel started in November 2006. This Is expected to be complete in November 2007.

The detailed design work for the next phase of works, the demolition and replacement of the Tay Road Bridge Ramps and the associated boulevards, was awarded to White Young Green after a tendered process. This will include detailed estimates and is due to be completed by October/November 2007. Acquisition of most parcels of land that will be surplus to the requirements of the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board and necessary to implement the Central Waterfront proposals was concluded in March 2007.

Private developer interest has been notified in respect of the main site shortly to be available and in some future sites.

It is noted that the Interim Evaluation Report in respect of the Cities Growth Fund 2003-2006 favourably commented on Dundee's approach of concentrating on a single major project. It is Dundee's intention to continue to implement the Central Waterfront proposals and that the continuation of the Cities Growth Fund will be key in this regard. The overall infrastructure development is programmed to be provided over a 12 year period. The overall cost of these works is estimated to be £57M at September 2004 prices.

It is assumed that central funding will be provided over this period to support this investment programme. Although the Cities Growth Fund awards have been made for 2006/2007 and 2007/2008, there currently exists a funding gap of approximately £11 million to carry out the next required phases of works of the Central Waterfront project, over and above the £4.53m carry forward indicated in the analysis of expenditure and funding. This phase is now expected to take until 2011.

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The major part of this is associated with the removal and replacement of the Tay Road Bridge approach ramps and associated road works. The Tay Road Bridge Joint Board have confirmed that all funding for these works requires to be in place before permissions can be given to start. To commit (tendering) to this element of the project in 2007/2008 as programmed, will require certainty over future funding.

Other necessary items in this period include major demolitions and other acquisitions from Tay Road Bridge Joint Board. While funding for this phase as described will complete reconfiguration of the Tay Road Bridge ramps, being unable to continue to the next phase of work immediately thereafter would lead to an unsatisfactory traffic circulation system and would not result in the creation of many new development sites, nor resolve the pedestrian access situation. If this gap cannot be filled then the Partnership may be forced to radically downgrade its plans to ensure it remains within the overall budgetary constraints. This would be to the detriment to the project as a whole and would undermine its benefit to the local and national economy.

The Dundee City Council has spent and is committed to spending substantial funds to facilitate the redevelopment of the Waterfront by:

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a) building a multi storey car park at Greenmarket to enable the closure of car parks required to make way for the proposed road network (£6.87m);

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b) committing to building new council offices, Dundee House, to replace Tayside House, demolition of which is fundamental to the Waterfront proposals (demolition £0.7m,construction £30m).

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The road re-alignment has created another very large site, temporarily in use as a car park benefiting city centre traders, but for which there is already interest from developers to create a very exciting mixed use development that will add to the city's cultural experience and prestigious office portfolio. An exclusivity agreement has been granted for a period for the interested company to develop its ideas and confirm occupiers. Interest has also been
expressed in three sites that will not be available until the remaining road infrastructure is in place.

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Although perhaps of lesser importance, the road works included removal of an unloved pedestrian overbridge from the station to the city centre and replaced it with a generously wide traffic light controlled crossing that is much appreciated by users, particularly disabled groups. As part of the early phase work are two consultancy studies that are significant in terms of
outcomes relative to the city vision.

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The first concerns the station and the potential for commercial development to support its regeneration and how to accommodate practicalities for servicing it. This dialogue with the rail companies is important in moving forward the Vision ambition of promoting a range of transportation improvements. The second concerns establishing the business potential for a marina to improve the services offered by the port, in this case on the eastern edge of the central waterfront area.

Doors Open Day 2007 and up the 232 steps of the Old Steeple

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Nethergate looking east towards City Square

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The Apex Hotel and harbour housing developments are visible above the Caird Hall; Tayside House will soon disappear and the Dundee Hilton Hotel is visible above former Tay (Mathers) Hotel which is awaiting re-development

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The former Green's Playhouse (once the largest cinema in the British Isles) has become the Mecca Bingo Hall. Recent redevelopment of the former railway yard and Riverside Drive is also evident

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The West Port looking towards what was the Blue Mountains

Princess reveals cash will rescue Unicorn

3/10/2007

THE PRINCESS Royal was in Dundee yesterday to declare funding will be made available to help conserve one of the oldest ships in the world, the frigate Unicorn.

The announcement was made on the Unicorn, during speeches after a naval mess dinner commemorating Admiral Duncan’s victory at the Battle of Camperdown.

Around 170 guests were on board at Victoria Dock to hear Princess Anne—patron of the Unicorn Preservation Society—deliver the good news.

The decision was made last week by the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the Unicorn Preservation Society’s application for a project planning grant, which will see the society receive £46,300 towards an £80,000 restoration package.

The remaining sum has almost been reached with the help of a variety of local services and charitable trusts.

The Unicorn is the world’s last intact warship from the days of sail, Scotland’s only representative of the sailing navy and is now considered to be the last major ship-preservation project in Britain to remain unresolved.

The grant will fund the project planning needed to develop firm designs and costs for the conservation work.

The Unicorn Preservation Society is keen to develop links between the ship, the Discovery and the new Dundee central waterfront, and for the Unicorn to act as the iconic cultural centrepiece for a major urban redevelopment.

Lord Dalhousie, chairman of the Unicorn Preservation Society said, “I’m hugely encouraged by this news.

“I think the success of this bid reflects two things—firstly, a recognition of the enormous national and international significance of HMS Unicorn, and the wonderful opportunity facing us for the long-term preservation of Unicorn in Dundee, in her own natural home, in her old age, and beside her sister Dundee ship, the Discovery.

“Secondly, the unanimous support it has received from the main interested parties.

“This bid was supported by a powerful combination of National Historic Ships, Dundee Central Waterfront Board, Scottish Enterprise Tayside and Dundee Heritage Trust, and Unicorn has been backed by very significant local charitable trust funding, so we are extremely pleased with the addition now of Heritage lottery fund backing.”

Lt Cdr Roderick Stewart, operations director of the preservation society said, “Unicorn’s been a bit like Cinderella these last few years, and now we’ve the chance to bring her to the ball.”

none of the Dundee pics are loading for me. Is it an internet connection with Chinese characteristics (are they blocked here) or is the same for everyone?

none of the Dundee pics are loading for me. Is it an internet connection with Chinese characteristics (are they blocked here) or is the same for everyone?
It's loading up OK for me - perhaps it is your internet connection?

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Great pictures from the top of the Old Steeple - it just goes to show that Dundee has a lot going on and a lot to be proud of, but also has a lot of work to do.

However, as long as it stays being a great night out, it's a great city to me! :)

Cheers David, The Auld Steeple was great my first chance to have a look at it, by god it is a long 232 steps up, but hey you can see some of the good watering holes from up there!:cheers:

AWG......Cracking Developers !

Cracks have appeared inside and outside the building
The owners of a number of luxury flats have been asked to leave their homes after cracks appeared in the walls, BBC Scotland has learned.
The developer has asked to take possession of the prestigious properties on Dundee's waterfront to investigate the problems.

Residents said further cracks had been appearing on a daily basis.

However, AWG Property Ltd insisted there were no health and safety issues with the apartments.

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In a letter to residents, the firm's director said "there may be some issues with the fabric of some of the properties" at City Quay.

David Pople added: "In order to ascertain the exact nature of these issues, it will be necessary to undertake a detailed structural investigation of the flats in your stairwell as a precautionary measure.

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"Therefore, we regret to inform you that it may be necessary to take possession of your property for a time to facilitate a thorough investigation of the building."

On the exterior, there is quite substantial cracking appearing daily

Robert Lowe
City Quay resident

Resident Robert Lowe, who works in the construction industry, said he was "distraught" and "very concerned" at the content of the letter.

He told BBC Scotland the problems in his block started about four months ago and had recently got worse.

He said : "Internally, there's cracking on the stairwells; there's windows moving, where they're not able to close properly; there's doors opening when they should be remaining shut.

"On the exterior, there is quite substantial cracking appearing daily."


AWG Property is to carry out repair work

Mr Lowe and a number of his neighbours have taken legal advice over the matter.

Russell Miller, from the Institution of Civil Engineers, said residents at City Quay had cause to be "reasonably concerned" about the problems with the buildings.

He said: "In the early stages of the life of a building, the foundations do bed into place, and you will get minor cracking.

"You can also get cracking as a result of the building expanding and contracting, but if the cracking is ongoing and is getting worse, then it's something that needs to be looked at."

He added that it was generally "unusual" for a developer to ask residents to leave their properties for standard remedial work.

A spokesman for AWG Property said residents had been asked to vacate their properties so they would not be inconvenienced by any repair work.

He said: "We can categorically state there are no health and safety issues whatsoever associated with City Quay in Dundee.

"As a responsible developer, we contacted a number of residents to inform them we may need to examine their properties on a purely precautionary basis.

"Our engineers can confirm that any cracking previously examined in individual properties and currently visible on the stairwell are localised and will be dealt with through an ongoing maintenance programme as is common with many new build properties."

One of my lady friends stays in an adjacent block, newer built by FM Developments, I was appalled at how cheap and nasty they look inside. Not to mention that halfway up the stairwell it had apperaed someone had kicked the wall with their arm/foot and it appeared that it had gone straight through. I am quite happy in my sandatone solid as a rock 1881 block, its been up 126 years and still satnding strong!

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New image from Duncarse, developer of 202 flats at Riverside Drive east of Rail Bridge on Waterfront. Not cheap either £365,000 for a penthouse

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Alternative view of New Holiday Inn Express on Dock Street due to be completed in March 2008 near Tay Bridge Landfall. http://www.hiexpressdundee.com/

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I decided to take a trip to the top of Tayside House (Dundee City Council HQ) which is to be demolished in 2009/10 to take some views of the changing waterfront:

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The façade of Reform Street and City Square have not changed over the last seventy years.

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The modern street lights recall the days of the tramcars and Optical Express are now occupying the former Clydesdale Bank building.

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The Old Steeple looks hemmed in. You can see my photos taken from here earlier in thread!

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The railways yards and goods depots have been swept away and new buildings have sprung up on the waterfront forcing the road inland. The walkway leading from Greenmarket to Magdalen Green is clearly visible.

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Riverside Drive showing Tay Bridge station with its platforms built below road level.

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Victoria Dock surrounded by retail units in the former sheds, the Apex hotel (centre foreground) and new residential accommodation. The wood cladding is weathering very badly!

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As at October 2007 the toll plaza is still in operation, but charges on the Tay Road Bridge are scheduled to disappear by 2008. Extensive redevelopment in the former docks area. New offices are to be built in front of Panmure devlopment.

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Dock Street has been totally transformed in recent years, with a retail park encroaching well into the grounds of the former Dundee Corporation (later Tayside Bus) depot: the Customs House remains, but the gas works have disappeared except for the gas holder.

Great pictures mate!

I was up in Dundee on Thursday night for a Perth Road pub-crawl, twas most enjoyable; I rate Dundee above Aberdeen interms of night life - it's much cheaper, fun and really easy going.

Anyway, I can't help but think that waterfront progress is painfully slow - are they experiencing funding problems or something?

Town centre was looking good though - nice and clean - and those bus stops are something else :)

Glad you had a good time hope you pit stopped in the Speedwell and the Phoenix :cheers::nuts:. The the progress is painfully slow but the next stage should see things take shape the Tay Bridge ramps are going next year with some road construction. There is alot of development going on in the City Centre with Alliance Trust HQ, Overgate extension starting soon. Victoria Dock is looking good with new flats coming to completion. And yes the bus stops are wild, I love this photo from on high are they upturned boats?

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Had to join this site and thank you Jeff for all the great info on all the up coming developments in Dundee. Have just bought a property in the Panmure Development and it looks like it will be an exciting and happening place to live once it is all completed. Dundee really is a city on the up..... I can see why house prices here are bucking the national trend and rose by 16% last year.

Anyway, keep up the good work!!!!:)

This is a real hidden gem not far from Dundee City Centre. Baxter Park was officially re-opened by the Queen on Monday afternoon 2 July 2007.

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In 1861, Sir David Baxter and his sisters, Eleanor and Mary Ann Baxter purchased 36 acres of “pleasure ground.” They commissioned Sir Joseph Paxton, who was considered to be one of the best designers of the Victorian era, to design the park. In 1863 David Baxter received a knighthood and the same year Baxter Park was officially opened and handed over to the people of Dundee. The opening ceremony was on the 9th September and was a huge event featuring a parade and a speech by Lord Russell. It was attended by between 30,000 and 60,000 people and the day was set aside as a public holiday.

The sandstone pavilion was built in 1862 to designs by George Henry Stokes who was Sir Joseph Paxton’s son-in-law. The building was built as originally designed and has received only superficial alterations since its completion. The loggia (a covered gallery on the side of a building) was used for shelter from the wind, rain and sun and also for bands. Subsidiary uses were provided in the end blocks, toilets and changing rooms in the west block and tea room in the east block. The building was also intended to commemorate the donor, Sir David Baxter and to house a statue of him.

The pavilion is one of a series of Paxton and Stokes designs for park pavilions. All had Italianate loggias and all were placed at the centre of a terrace facing down slope. The uses originally intended for the pavilion were devolved to separate buildings during the late 19th and throughout the 20th centuries. A new band pavilion, sports pavilion and new toilet blocks were provided.

The pavilion has been subject to vandalism since at least 1883. The statue of Sir David Baxter which used to sit in the centre of the pavilion had to be removed in 1894 as it was damaged. It has been kept in the MacManus Galleries but was brought back after the work on the pavilion was completed.

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Dundee has traditionally faced a shortage of new, high quality office space in the city centre. But now, DundeeOne at City Quay is being built to meet this need and to match the aspiration and ambition of this great river city. Designed by leading architects in a bold, contemporary style, DundeeOne offers offices with outstanding transport links, large and flexible floorplates and green credentials in a city with a highly educated and experienced work force. DundeeOne will provide high quality office accommodation, in a unique location, in a remarkable city. Full planning permission for DundeeOne was granted in August 2007, and the first building, City Court, will be completed in January 2009 to meet the pressing need for quality offices in and around Dundee City Centre. The second, River Court, will follow immediately behind in mid 2009. Each building will offer around 50,000sqft of high specification, A Grade offices.

http://www.dundeeone.com/

Check out the woman on the right in that top image. It's the office of the future.

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More new student accomodation!!!!

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That a) Looks enormus

and b) Looks terrible!


I suppose all student accomodation looks pap, though. Good thing that there's a demand for it though - a city can never have too many students... :)

It's 14 storeys at its highest and although its not the best looking new building around it will still be a huge improvement on what is there now. There is a huge amount of development in progress and planned to begin very soon around the West Marketgait/West Port/Hawkhill area and its good to see a lot of them are of a decent height. The Abertay University accomodation, Centre Car site, DCC HQ, Byzantium site etc are all of a decent height in that area. A few years ago buildings of this height would simply not have been permitted and im more confident the central waterfront will see some decent height buildings when it really gets going.

Does anyone know where the new H&M store in Dundee is opening? They are opening a second store in the city but i cant think of many, if any, empty units that they might occupy?

Does anyone know where the new H&M store in Dundee is opening? They are opening a second store in the city but i cant think of many, if any, empty units that they might occupy?

Is the store in the overgate staying open? It's not that long ago that they closed the upstairs part. Seems strange that they would open a 2nd store not long after they reduced the floorspace of their existing store.

An excellant thread but retail has been largely overlooked. There have been many new shopping developments in Dundee in recent years. The Kingsway retail park, Morrisons, some new Lidls and the new Aldi to name but a few.

As regards all the hotels and office facilities, I wonder how much of it is actualy necessary. I mean, these office developments at Seabraes are empty.

Nice aerial pic. Dates from around 2005.

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PHOTO © Guthrie Aerial Photography

Yes the Overgate store is staying open. Apparently it was a head office decision to stop selling menswear in some of their shops a few years back, which is why they gave up the upstairs part of their Overgate shop. Menswear is being re-introduced but they dont have room for it in their current shop, so they will operate two shops in the city. Both will apparently stock mens and womenswear.

Possibly the former Ottakers shop in the High Street???

Is the store in the overgate staying open? It's not that long ago that they closed the upstairs part. Seems strange that they would open a 2nd store not long after they reduced the floorspace of their existing store.

An excellant thread but retail has been largely overlooked. There have been many new shopping developments in Dundee in recent years. The Kingsway retail park, Morrisons, some new Lidls and the new Aldi to name but a few.

As regards all the hotels and office facilities, I wonder how much of it is actualy necessary. I mean, these office developments at Seabraes are empty.

Seeing that picture its amazing how small Dundee is. You could easily walk from the centre to the countryside. But all the years i was there, I never did! oh well.

From Wikipedia "The city, being on a relatively small landspace, is the most densely populated area in Scotland after Glasgow and around fifth in the U.K. overall. It is characterised by tall tenements, mainly four storeys high, Victorian, and built from a honey or brown sandstone".

Thats odd. I have lived in Dundee as a student for about 3 years now and it always struck me how few victorian tenements Dundee has compared to other Scottish cities. Does anyone know if many have been knocked down or if there are largish areas of them that I don't know about? I live in the west by the way.

Most of the tenements are in Stobswell, West End, Broughy Ferry, Hilltown and Lochee. There was large clearances in the 60's and 70's because they were deemed slum housing or unfit for purpose.

I live in the west by the way.

Strange...the entire west end is an unremitting landscape of tenements. Try walking up the law, you'll see them. Oh yes, you will see them.

HOUSE-BUILDERS are queuing up to develop Dundee Football Club’s south enclosure.

Already, 10 have approached the club with a view to building a stand and housing fronting Dens Road on a part of Dens Park newly-elected finance director Ian Bodie called the “family silver.”

The ground south of the football pitch is the club’s last real asset and Dundee’s directors are determined to maximise it.

Mr Bodie said chartered surveyors and valuers J&E Shepherd have been engaged to increase interest and are to report back at the end of November.

Mr Bodie told the meeting, “We want someone credible to do this. It’s like selling the family silver. We are not going to sell it cheap. We have to do the right thing for the club.

“You have to have people with a track record. There’s a lot of engineering involved in it and it’s not just the best price we’ll be looking for.”

As well as sloping steeply down to Dens Road, the land also has problems of contamination and drainage and a “massive” retaining wall is required.

Dundee have already rejected the idea of entering into a joint venture with a contractor, fearful of a collapse in the housing market spelling the end of the football club.

Chairman Bob Brannan said the club is not seeking a particularly large stand, pointing out Dens Park has seldom been filled to capacity in recent years.

He said the goal is something “aesthetically pleasing and of a reasonable capacity.”

There should be an announcement on this shortly :)

HOUSE-BUILDERS are queuing up to develop Dundee Football Club’s south enclosure.

Already, 10 have approached the club with a view to building a stand and housing fronting Dens Road on a part of Dens Park newly-elected finance director Ian Bodie called the “family silver.”

The ground south of the football pitch is the club’s last real asset and Dundee’s directors are determined to maximise it.

Mr Bodie said chartered surveyors and valuers J&E Shepherd have been engaged to increase interest and are to report back at the end of November.

Mr Bodie told the meeting, “We want someone credible to do this. It’s like selling the family silver. We are not going to sell it cheap. We have to do the right thing for the club.

“You have to have people with a track record. There’s a lot of engineering involved in it and it’s not just the best price we’ll be looking for.”

As well as sloping steeply down to Dens Road, the land also has problems of contamination and drainage and a “massive” retaining wall is required.

Dundee have already rejected the idea of entering into a joint venture with a contractor, fearful of a collapse in the housing market spelling the end of the football club.

Chairman Bob Brannan said the club is not seeking a particularly large stand, pointing out Dens Park has seldom been filled to capacity in recent years.

He said the goal is something “aesthetically pleasing and of a reasonable capacity.”

There should be an announcement on this shortly :)

I believe Dundee FC are not expecting any construction to begin for at least 12-18 months. I would also hazard a guess that it will need to be fairly high density flats to make it viable. The housebuilders have not only to buy the land but to provide Dundee with a new stand as part of the deal. They will need to pack in a lot of flats to make that viable.

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McManus Galleries and Museum is a splendid Gothic Revival-style building housing Dundee's main collection. McManus’ current displays offer a fascinating insight into Dundee’s colourful past, through exhibitions of Art, History and the Environment.

The building is currently closed for the largest renovation project in its 138 year history.

The facility is managed and operated by Dundee City Council's Leisure & Communities Department.

Who We Are
Dundee’s 21st Century Museum

“Who We Are” will create a Museum for the 21st Century which inspires, educates and entertains; which brings our Heritage and Art alive and secures its conservation; which tells a vivid story of Dundee in the World from earliest geological times to our current living memories; which restores the Victorian and Gothic grandeur of the City’s best loved and most prestigious building; and creates a regional ‘must see’ attraction in the heart of the City.

The Project is funded by Dundee City Council,
the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.

Dundee's finest building is due to re-open in 2008 :)

www.mcmanus.co.uk

Immediate Release: 13 December 2007

MSP Receives Assurance Over City Growth Fund

Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick intervened during Finance Secretary John Swinney’s Statement to the Scottish Parliament today [13 December] – and received an assurance on development funding for the city.

The MSP asked a point of clarification about the resources in the Cities Growth Fund during Questions on John Swinney’s Statement on the financial settlement for Scotland’s Councils.

The reply from the Finance Secretary indicated that the resources from the Fund was now rolled up in the settlement to Councils and followed the same pattern as that distributed previously when it was ring-fenced as the Cities Growth Fund.

The only difference now is that Councils have more flexibility over the funding with which to respond to local needs.

Joe FitzPatrick said: “I wanted to get clarification about the continuing existence of Dundee’s share of the resources in what was previously known as the Cities Growth Fund. The resources are there and are included in the Settlement. It is important to make clear that the only difference is that the level of control which the Council has over the funding is greater than before.
The resources are there and we can therefore allay fears over the future of the Waterfront redevelopment programme.”

Funding for the Cities Growth Fund was due to end this year but this clarification from the Finance Secretary should allay fears for Dundee’s Waterfront redevelopment programme.

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Takne on my LG Shine phone 7/12/2007

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Byzantium corner taking shape with flats above

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Panmure at City Quay scaffolding coming off!!!

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Merchants Quay at Victoria Dock...the scaffolding has came off another block!!!

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Mcmanus Galleries from Commercial Street

Architectural heritage of city begins to crumble

By Bruce Robbins

Dundee Courier 31/12/2007

HISTORIC AND listed buildings are disappearing from Dundee’s landscape at the rate of one a year and more than 20 others are considered to be at risk of suffering a similar fate.

Over the last decade, familiar parts of the city’s built heritage, such as the category A-listed Customs Bond in Exchange Street, the 18th century Windmill Bar in Hilltown and the four-storey Baltic Chambers tenement in Bell Street, have been razed to the ground.

The buildings, all of which were considered important enough to feature in Historic Scotland’s buildings at risk register, had either fallen into serious disrepair or were demolished to make way for new developments. The majority had category B and C listings, designating them as being of regional or local importance.

The buildings knocked down include two 19th century warehouses in Exchange Street, Balgay Park pavilion and the 1946 Van Leer (formerly NCR) pavilion on Kingsway West, all of which were B-listed.

A total of 23 buildings remain at risk, according to Historic Scotland, including one of only two secular pre-1700 properties within the old Dundee burgh. That is St David’s Halls in Nethergate which dates back to the early part of the 17th century. The B-listed building is said to be in very poor condition.

Several other city centre buildings are giving Historic Scotland cause for concern. The most prominent is the former Tay Hotel in Whitehall Crescent but others— such as the former Continental Ballroom in Cowgate, Robertson’s Whisky Bond in Seagate and the upper floors of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Castle Street—are in need of attention if they are not to deteriorate further.

Although many of the city’s former industrial buildings have been converted into flats, several have escaped the attention of developers and are in various states of disrepair.

The A-listed Lower Dens Jute Works in Princes Street, which dates back to 1830 and is considered of national importance, is in “fair” condition and at low risk but Queen Victoria Works in Brook Street, built in 1828 and B-listed, is rated “very poor.”

The former B-listed Pitalpin Works in Lochee is in poor condition. It has the only remaining example of a hackling room, where flax was treated and prepared for processing, in the city. A planning application was lodged two months ago with Dundee City Council to convert the works into 18 houses and 11 flats.

07 January 2008 Evening Telegraph

Bumper visitor year predicted for Dundee

Dundee’s tourist and business visitor economy is in line for a bumper 2008, with confidence in the city at a two-year high (writes Alan Wilson).
That’s the opinion of a major hotel group, which is backed up by Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce.

Redwood Leisure, who own the Invercarse and Woodlands hotels in Dundee, have announced major expansion plans at both hotels to increase the number of rooms, which they say is to cater for demand.

On Friday the company announced plans for a £750,000 upgrade at the Woodlands that would see the number of bedrooms rise to 50.

Redwood followed that up today with another planning application for an additional 16-bedroom extension at the Invercarse, which would take the number of bedrooms to 60.

Company director Martina Kidd said, “The hotel was busy in 2007, as was the city, and we see that continuing.

“We extended the hotel by 12 rooms in 2000 and this is the first extension since then, which reflects the increasing number of requests we are getting for accommodation.

“The thing is that if requests are increasing it is because the city is busy and there are various spin-offs.

“It’s not just for events at the hotel — if there are more conferences at the West Park Centre, for example, or the Caird Hall, then we get the spin-offs.

“A lot of the conference business is medical-led, and we are ideally placed for that, being in the west end.

“We are very confident about the situation in Dundee just now.”

Alan Mitchell, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, agrees.

“I think it’s fantastic to see this investment going on in Dundee,” he said. “Too often the negatives take all the publicity, and it’s great news for Dundee to see Redwood Leisure having the confidence to increase its capacity like this.

“It comes on the back of McLeish Brothers announcing their expansion plans recently, which shows the underlying state of the city’s economy is reasonably buoyant.

“That shows a confidence in Dundee as a whole, and that is reflected by the views of people I meet all over the country, who say only good things about the city and the Tayside area.”

While acknowledging that large-scale job losses in Dundee in 2007 had cast a shadow over the city, he said business optimism has been on the rise for the past couple of years.

“My experience is that there is a lot of optimism among people from outwith the city, and the feeling is that there are great opportunities to be had in business here and that Dundee is a great place to be.

“That’s proved by the number of visitors who want to come here.

“I think this is the most optimistic feeling for several years.

“We’ve got two world-class universities, some amazingly innovative businesses, new airport operators who have some great plans for new routes, and I think that everybody — business leaders, local and national politicians and educational people — should all be maximising those opportunities in 2008.

“We also have fantastic quality of life here in Tayside, and it’s incumbent upon us all to do our part to get that message across.”

The chamber announced last week that, since it was set up last year, more than 250 businesses have joined, including the first Platinum members — Dundee City Council, Dundee College, Michelin, Overgate Centre, James Keiller Estates and Angus Council.

Chamber leaders predict 2008 will see further membership growth.

That's good news, but this year will be a tricky one none-the-less for Dundee.

Comments like "with confidence in the city at a two-year high " don't really fill me with much enthusiasm!

Davey! :shocked: You biatch!
:rofl:

Sorry Jeff bud, that was funny tho!

;)

Its better than a 1 year high :lol:

Hehehe that is indisputably true matey :)

Great news for the first building you will see when you emerge from Dundee Station. Goes before Development Quality Committee on Monday 21st January. :)

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A change of use of an existing hotel to form a mixed use development is RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL subject to conditions. Report by Director of Planning and Transportation

Permission is sought to convert the vacant former Tay Hotel into a mix of uses including flats, apartment hotel and bar restaurant. The proposal also involves an extension on the roof of the building to accommodate two new penthouse flats.

The proposal is viewed as an innovative design solution for the re-use of this visually important and prominent city centre building. The proposal will result in a positive contribution to the on-going development of the Central Waterfront. The application is recommended for APPROVAL with conditions.

The proposal under consideration involves alterations to the Tay Hotel building to create a mixed use development consisting of residential flats, an apartment hotel and a bar/restaurant. The bar/restaurant will occupy the ground floor and a mezzanine floor level on the Dock Street elevation. Above this, on the corner of Whitehall Crescent and Dock Street, it is proposed to locate a series of flats grouped around the existing central stair of the building and accessed via the existing main entrance on the corner.

The two 'wings' of the building on Whitehall Street and Dock Street will become apartment hotel rooms (44 in total) which will be served by a new circulation system overlooking the existing triangular lightwell. These rooms will be located on the 1st - 4th floors of the building. Above this a series of 2 storey flats will be created on the 5th and 6th floors, making use of the existing mansard roof space on the main elevations and extending the roof space to the rear overlooking the lightwell. A new 7th floor is proposed to provide two penthouse apartments.

This new 'lightweight' structure will be approximately 2.8 metres in height and will accommodate full height frameless glazing panels with slim framed aluminium sliding doors. The extension will also accommodate aluminium solar shading. A new planted atrium space will be created at the centre of the building, lit by a large glazed opening on the east facade. A total of 22 flats are to be provided.

The existing small windows on the lower and upper ground floors of the Dock Street elevation will be enlarged to form shopfront type windows to allow light to enter the proposed bar restaurant. These openings will be related in their treatment to the existing shop-fronts to be found along the Whitehall Crescent elevation.

The building is bounded to the north and west by Whitehall Crescent. To the south and east the property is bounded by Dock Street. The surrounding area is predominantly made up of ground floor commercial with residential uses on upper floors. The Tay Hotel forms an important element within a large formal 'city block'. The building is Category 'B' listed, and lies within the Dundee Central Conservation Area. It was constructed in 1889, originally as a hotel - formerly Mathers Hotel and latterly the Tay Hotel. The building is five storeys in height with double attic and has a convex plan to Whitehall Crescent and basement to Dock Street.

The building incorporates a former nightclub and bar on Dock Street. The Whitehall Street elevation has a number of retail/commercial units at ground floor level (nos 26-42) which are in separate ownership from the Hotel, and are therefore outwith the scope of this planning application. The building has significant value, both architecturally as a separate entity, and in terms of its townscape value within the context of the Central Conservation Area.

The Whitehall Crescent and Dock Street elevations are finished with ashlar sandstone with a grey slated mansard roof. The rear elevations, facing onto a central courtyard, are built in cream coloured brickwork. The prominent entrance incorporates decorative carved stonework in limestone (a rare example of this Dundee). At roof level, the building contains a number of chimney's which are an important element of the character of the building. The south west roof corner elevation is finished with a rectangular-domed roof and finialled pagoda-like cap. The roof also accommodates a cupola which provides light to the internal staircase. Internally, the most significant feature is the grand elliptical staircase, although the cast iron balusters of the staircase are presently encased by reinforced plaster.

Great news... a stunning building that for too long has be left in a state of disrepair. Hope they make a good job of it!!

Good news indeed. How long is the work likely to take?

Changing the subject slightly. it's god to Dundee get a bit of recognition on the world stage.


"City among the world's smartest

Dundee is one of the smartest cities in the world, according to a group of computer technology experts.

The area has made it into the final seven in the Intelligent Community of the Year awards, organised by a New York-based think tank.

It is the only place in the UK to make it to the final stage of the contest, where it is up against regions in the US, Canada, South Korea and Estonia.

The winner of the award will be revealed in May.

The contest is organised by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).

'Dynamic place'

Announcing Dundee's placed in the final list, the group said: "This former industrial centre known for 'jute, jam and journalism' has transformed itself through intensive government-academic-business collaboration and broadband deployment into a UK centre for life sciences and digital media.

"An innovative smart card for citizens was so successful that the Scottish Government asked Dundee to run its national program.

"With rising net job growth and business starts, Dundee has created a digital observatory to track its future progress as an intelligent community." Dundee also made it through to the last seven of the competition in 2007.

The leader of Dundee City Council, Kevin Keenan, said: "It is vital that the council, its partners in the universities, the public and private sectors and the wider community of Dundee keep taking initiatives to build on the city's growing reputation as one that is transforming itself into an attractive modern and dynamic place to live and work."

Last year's winner of the award was Waterloo in Canada, the home of the Blackberry wireless e-mail device."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7189899.stm

Tay Hotel proposals get council approval

By Brian Allison, local government reporter

CITY COUNCILLORS last night gave plans to redevelop the Tay Hotel their unanimous approval.

As well as regenerating one of the first buildings many visitors to the city see and one that has become an eyesore, the plans will also bring a new kind of hotel to the city.

The development quality committee approved an application by MEC Services International Ltd to convert the 19th century hotel to create a mixed use development consisting of residential flats, an apartment hotel and a bar/restaurant.

It will provide 44 apartment hotel rooms and 22 flats, including two penthouses on a new seventh floor of the building.

Objections to the application by the City Centre and Harbour Community Council were not supported by planning and transportation director Mike Galloway, who recommended approval.

He said he did not accept that the penthouses on the roof would detract from the appearance and integrity of the building and said measures would be promoted to minimise the potential for gulls to roost on the flat roof.

In response to a question from Councillor Joe Morrow, Mr Galloway confirmed that the apartment hotel would be the only one of its kind in the city.

He said it would provide quality accommodation for business people, and others, staying in the city for long periods, perhaps months.

Welcoming the proposal, councillor Liz Fordyce said the building as it presently stood was an eyesore.

Committee convener Rod Wallace said the state of the hotel and its location as one of the first things people saw coming into Dundee, had been letting the city down for years.

However, he said, the building was one that was worth restoring to its former glory.

The committee also granted listed building permission for the alterations required to create the new development.

Constructed in 1889, the building was formerly known as Mathers Hotel.

Hi Jeff, Do you know who is doing the development and when will it commence?

Nicol Russell Studios of Broughty Ferry see a video from STV here:

http://www.stv.tv/content/news/local/tayside/display.html?id=opencms:/news/tayside/Councillors_approve_hotel_face-lift

Developers involved in multi-million pound plans to bring one of Dundee's first hotels back to life are being urged to proceed with the job as soon as possible following the project's approval by councillors last night.

For years the derelict former Tay Hotel has been a blot on the landscape. Now, the go-ahead has been given for its transformation and it will become a pivotal part of the regeneration of Dundee's waterfront.

Councillors last night unanimously backed plans for the redevelopment of the Victorian Hotel into a mix of residential flats, an apartment hotel, a bar restaurant and penthouse apartments with spectacular views over the Tay.

It will mean a new and welcome look part of the city centre.

Councillor Rod Wallace said: "My own belief is that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression and when commuters and visitors come out of Tay bridge Station, come along Riverside Drive and come across the road bridge, this predominant building hits them in the face and it's in a sad state that very much needs the work promised by the developer."

Architect Ric Russell said: "Until now it's been a very soulless and dire building to look at. We're going to inject a huge amount of life into that corner and there's going to be a lot of activity at street level.

“The apartment hotel will be a great thing for the city. It's very new. We don't have one in the city at the moment. It's going to expand out the possibilities on how businessmen can stay for short periods of time. Generally speaking, the whole life will come back into that corner."

Now that consent has been given, the council want the developers to start work sooner rather later.

Councillor Wallace added: "One concern that the committee did express last night was that in planning terms, the developer has five years to take up this option. We have often seen that go into bidding wars. We're not prepared to accept that. Our director Mike Galloway was charged last night with having vigorous talks with both the developer and the agent to make sure this a delivered project and we don't waste time by going back to the drawing boards. It has to happen now."

The building work required is complex and it is unlikely to start before the end of this year.

£8m project set to start


The site at the corner of West Port and West Marketgait, Dundee.


Construction work is set to begin on an £8 million development that will see a casino, restaurant and offices created on a derelict Dundee city centre site (writes Graham Huband).
Locally-based developer Bruce Linton said a landmark eight-storey building would be created on the site of the former Coconut Grove nightclub and a council car park in Marketgait by autumn 2009.
Mr Linton said it had taken more than three years to get the project to the stage where the groundworks were complete and construction was due to begin.

He said the great advantage of the building was its “bridgehead” location — it is equidistant from Dundee’s two universities and a stone’s throw from the city’s Cultural Quarter — and easy access via the city’s inner ring road.

Part of the site is already occupied by digital media company Real Time Worlds, headed by Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto creator Dave Jones, and a 48-bed Travelodge.

Mr Linton said plans for a nursery and one of two bar/restaurants within the complex were being dropped in line with demand for increased office space.

He said the site, which also encompasses a former garage and building yard and is bounded by West Marketgait, Hawkhill and Brown Street, was perfectly placed to become a mixed hub for entertainment and leisure.

Rank Grosvenor have already been signed up to run the casino on site.

Talks are also under way with supermarket operators about an outlet within the development.

It is understood Tesco Metro is the likely occupant, although no deal has been done as yet.

The project is being taken forward by Marketgait Developments Ltd, a group company within the wider James Keiller Estates framework.

Mr Linton said, “Certainly the project will regenerate an area that has been lying derelict for some time.

“It is an eight-storey building. It is going to be huge.

“It is going to be the same height as Argyll House opposite.

“It took us three-and-a-half years to put the overall site together from buying out garage people Glenvarigill, the old Abertay union and purchasing the old builder’s yard from Messrs Sword and Co.

“We then had to wait on the receiver of the Coconut Grove and the claim being worked out there legally and then we had to purchase the existing council car park from them.

“All the piling and groundworks have now been done and I would say within six to eight weeks you’ll start to see building work coming out of the ground.

“We are scheduled for completion in August 2009 and the casino will be operating by September 2009.”

Artists impression of development and picture of site currently

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A planning application for the first phase of a bold, new mixed use development at Westport, Dundee has been unanimously approved by
Dundee City Council’s Planning Committee.

Phase 1, projected to cost around £9m, will comprise 17,000 sq ft of retail and 55,000 sq ft of office space with undercroft parking.

Commercial property firm Ryden has designed the building and secured planning for developers, Argyll House Ltd. The firm is managing the first phase, providing full architectural and project-management services.

The triangular building will become one of Dundee's most modern and will become an iconic landmark. Big name tenants will be targeted to occupy space within the commercial elements.

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Outline plans for another 2 phases comprise 45,000 sq ft of residential accommodation with parking, 80,000 sq ft of offices, a 52,000 sq ft hotel and 17,000 sq ft of leisure space.

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A £640,000 programme of demolitions to pave the way for the replacement of Tayside House as the Dundee City Council headquarters has been given the go ahead (writes Brian Allison, local government reporter).

The new £30 million HQ, to be known as Dundee House, will be built in North Lindsay Street.
To prepare for construction of the project an existing warehouse and other ancillary buildings have to be pulled down.

A contract for the demolition work has been awarded to Safedem Ltd, which submitted the lowest tender of just over £444,000.

Allowances for power distribution and enabling works will boost the cost of the work to more than £642,000.

Construction of Dundee House is expected to start later this year and last for about two years, including fitting out of the new offices.

It is estimated that moving almost 1000 staff from Tayside House to the new headquarters will take around six weeks, with Dundee House becoming fully operational in 2010.

It had originally been intended that the new HQ would be home to 820 council staff, but that figure was revised upwards to include more than 100 revenues division employees, who were previously to have been accommodated at City House in the Overgate.

Increasing the scale of the new building to take the extra staff, and applying an allowance for inflation, pushed the projected cost of Dundee House up by around £5 million to £30 million.

An option appraisal indicated that it would cost £210,000 a year to have the revenues staff occupying three floors of City House, whereas the additional finance charges and operating costs of putting them in Dundee House was put at around £160,000 a year.

When the move to the new HQ has been completed the council intends to demolish the 16-storey Tayside House.

Put up in the 1970s as the headquarters of the former Tayside Regional Council, Tayside House was voted Dundee’s most unpopular building in a public survey.

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The congregation of The Steeple Church in Dundee’s city centre are celebrating the launch of a £3.5m development project aimed at bringing their premises into the 21st century to serve the community better.

The Steeple is part of the City Churches, sited in a key location between the Overgate shopping centre and the busy high street. The new plans aim to restore light and space to the buildings, transforming the dark entrances and narrow corridors so that people living and working in the city can see what happens inside.

Glass doors will open on to a central corridor, leading to the restored sanctuary on the left and the redesigned Slessor Centre on the right. All the spaces are intended to be flexible and multi-use so that The Steeple can host concerts and exhibitions and provide facilities for local businesses and events.

The Steeple congregation is committed to development project’s aims of providing far greater opportunities for service to the city.

Rev David Clark, minister of The Steeple, said, “For us as a church, there have been so many affirmations of our development journey and we’ve rejoiced so often to see our concerns repeatedly met.”

Jane Gregory, who is coordinating the project team, added: “We have a great location and want everyone to benefit from our presence. There’s a talented and energetic team driving this project forward, and we have no doubt the finished building will be a major asset to the city as well as a witness to the faith and vision of the congregation.”

31st January 2008

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Dundee’s City quay, once a failing retail centre, is on course to be transformed into the commercial heart of the city. The warehouse-type stores that struggled to make a living in the waterfront development, have been replaced by a wide range of businesses to give the area a “high street” feel.

Instead of under-performing factory outlets, City Quay is now home to the Chamber of Commerce, accountants, architects, a dentist, physiotherapist and the type of shops you might find on any busy street. Even letting agents Ryden, employed by City Quay’s owners the Scottish Capital Group, to find tenants, were so impressed that they moved in too. Another Dundee based company to make City Quay its home is building firm West Residential, while others yet to take up residence include Business Gateway and stockbrokers Bell Lawrie White.

Scottish Capital Group director William Bannister said City Quay was a “struggling factory outlet development” when they took over about two years ago. Since then, they have spent well over £1 million upgrading the development and are talking to potential tenants of the last few vacant units.

He said:

“We looked at the area and could see the exciting potential. After talking with the planning authority, the idea of having a local centre for that part of Dundee developed.
Although predominantly office accommodation, it’s a mixed use scheme. We have all the essentials that a local community hub needs. Over the last year we’ve worked to change the concept. The more people see it, the more they want to come. We’ve had significant success and City quay is performing very well. Ryden loved it so much that they moved in as well. They’re a walking advert for the place!”

The company that started the snowball effect was accountancy firm EQ. Managing partner David Cameron admitted they took a chance as anchor tenant for the new commercial concept, but the success of both their move and the development has come as a pleasant surprise.

He said:

“We were looking for a place we could design just for ourselves. The availability of modern office accommodation in Dundee isn’t great and we didn’t want to move out of the centre to the technology park. We took the decision 15 months ago when it required a bit of imagination to visualise how the profile of the place might change. We were the pioneers ready to go down there and encourage others to follow us. We have a fantastic corner site looking out towards the Apex Hotel and south across to Fife. It’s more than exceeded our expectations. Our staff loved it from day one. Our business had grown 15% in 12 months. With companies like AW Chase De Vere already there and Bell Lawrie White still to come, City Quay is turning into the financial centre of the city.”

Old dock sheds east of City Quay are also undergoing a transformation into modern office accommodation by the Unicorn Property Group, of Dundee. The sheds, numbered 27 to 35, will become nine office units with glass fronted views to the south. The company has also embarked on an ambitious £18 million new-build office development closer to the riverside at City Quay. The largest speculative office development in the city for a generation will provide more than 100.000 square feet of space for almost 1000 employees. The offices are due for completion in about a year.

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Dundee City Council today 7/2/2008 unveiled plans for a £22 million swimming pool to replace the Olympia Leisure Centre at Dundee's Waterfront.

A site for the new pool has been earmarked near the inner city ring road at Allan Street, close to the Borders book shop in the Gallagher retail park.

The existing centre is due to be demolished by 2011.

31st January 2008

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Dundee’s City quay, once a failing retail centre, is on course to be transformed into the commercial heart of the city. The warehouse-type stores that struggled to make a living in the waterfront development, have been replaced by a wide range of businesses to give the area a “high street” feel.

Instead of under-performing factory outlets, City Quay is now home to the Chamber of Commerce, accountants, architects, a dentist, physiotherapist and the type of shops you might find on any busy street. Even letting agents Ryden, employed by City Quay’s owners the Scottish Capital Group, to find tenants, were so impressed that they moved in too. Another Dundee based company to make City Quay its home is building firm West Residential, while others yet to take up residence include Business Gateway and stockbrokers Bell Lawrie White.

Scottish Capital Group director William Bannister said City Quay was a “struggling factory outlet development” when they took over about two years ago. Since then, they have spent well over £1 million upgrading the development and are talking to potential tenants of the last few vacant units.

He said:

“We looked at the area and could see the exciting potential. After talking with the planning authority, the idea of having a local centre for that part of Dundee developed.
Although predominantly office accommodation, it’s a mixed use scheme. We have all the essentials that a local community hub needs. Over the last year we’ve worked to change the concept. The more people see it, the more they want to come. We’ve had significant success and City quay is performing very well. Ryden loved it so much that they moved in as well. They’re a walking advert for the place!”

The company that started the snowball effect was accountancy firm EQ. Managing partner David Cameron admitted they took a chance as anchor tenant for the new commercial concept, but the success of both their move and the development has come as a pleasant surprise.

He said:

“We were looking for a place we could design just for ourselves. The availability of modern office accommodation in Dundee isn’t great and we didn’t want to move out of the centre to the technology park. We took the decision 15 months ago when it required a bit of imagination to visualise how the profile of the place might change. We were the pioneers ready to go down there and encourage others to follow us. We have a fantastic corner site looking out towards the Apex Hotel and south across to Fife. It’s more than exceeded our expectations. Our staff loved it from day one. Our business had grown 15% in 12 months. With companies like AW Chase De Vere already there and Bell Lawrie White still to come, City Quay is turning into the financial centre of the city.”

Old dock sheds east of City Quay are also undergoing a transformation into modern office accommodation by the Unicorn Property Group, of Dundee. The sheds, numbered 27 to 35, will become nine office units with glass fronted views to the south. The company has also embarked on an ambitious £18 million new-build office development closer to the riverside at City Quay. The largest speculative office development in the city for a generation will provide more than 100.000 square feet of space for almost 1000 employees. The offices are due for completion in about a year.

Hopefully this works out, the city quay is a beautiful development, just a pity that it is so underused. Aside from the Indian restuarant, I can't think of a single reason to go there.

I think i'm right in saying the majority of units at City Quay are occupied. It's an office development mainly, so unless you work in one of the offices, there isn't likely to be any reason to go there. They have taken it down a different, and more suitable route now. In saying that, there are several restaurants, a gym, kids play centre and a hotel all operating there as well as all the offices. Its going to get much busier with pedestrian traffic as the offices continue to be completed and occupied and as the number of residents on the south side increases all the time. I also think it's inevitable that Arnold Clark will be demolished at some point in the near future. Its a prime site that does not suit a ramshackle car showroom.

There is a real mixed used now... try out Bettolinis (italian resto) very good pre theatre menu. I spoken with the head of the Unicorn property development (Panmure by Apex hotel) and he said sheds 27-35 have nearly all been taken by very different businesses. Unicorn are also up for a couple of awards at the Scottish Home awards 2008 (Conversion of the year and Waterside Apartment of the year). Once the quay is fully developed (all 750+ apparments etc) then we will really see the area blossom. A newsagents in there wouldn't go a miss!!

Well it was sunny in Dundee today - as it always seems to be so I decided to get the digi camera out an have a wander about here are the results below!

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Southern Wharf Development and the Wave 15 storey tower left of Clocktowr also being turnd into flats

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Panmure Development and Apex Hotel at City Quay

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City Quay - only one more block of flats and the Wave development to be constructed where the crane is

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Holiday Inn Express - Construction continuing apace - fills in the unsightly gap in Dock Street in the foreground of the 2nd photo is 1881 Sailors Home soon to be renovated into flats in the distance is the 1889 Tay Hotel also to be re-developed and 1976's Tayside House on left soon to be demolished :bash:

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Nothing to report in this photo its just a nice picture! Apart from two cranes either side of Church spire one for Alliance Trust building other for West Port Developments

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West Port Developments - Student accomodation - Horswater Wynd in foreground and Casino development in distance

Nice one Jeff. I don't know Dundee well at all, only ever stopped a couple of times and one of those times was to go to a club... anyway, I wonder if you'd give your opinion on how you think Dundee is doing in terms of the scale and quality of development, what projects/schemes/plans you particularly like, what you particularly don't like and finally, if you were in charge of planning, development and investments, what would be your first order of business/vision?

I have to admit that the only project thats really caught my eye is the Gallery and Museum renovation. Looks a lovely project, nice bit of public realm and I LOVE that staircase! :)

Jeff, any idea when is the sailors home going to be re-developed? It is such a wonderful building, up there with the Tay Hotel in my opinion :)

Ignore above request as I see there is some info on this on page 3 of the thread!! Cheers anyway

It's nice to see The Wave taking shape there. I wonder when we will start to be the big tower appearing on the horizon? I think it's going to look quite impressive when its finished. There is a fair bit of height in the wave building and the tower will be about double the height of that which should look quite impressive.

Well Crusty I think most of the new developments are ok however I do prefer traditional builds using stone or similiar. Most of the new builds seem to incorporate alot of glass which is fine but I am not too sure about white render, I like copper cladding especially in green! Its great alot of the older buildings which have fell into dereliction or dis-repair are getting a new lease of life!

The Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) building 1999, kick started the momentum that has gathered progressively over the past 10 years. The Overgate centre followed in 2001, I like the centre however it does sort of create a barrier north and south to that part of the city centre. The extension looks ok and should keep the choice of shopping available in the city good.

My Favourites
The Mcmanus Galleries project looks excellent and should be finished towards the end of this year. Its a great building and signs are that it will look even better with the pedestrianisation.

I like the Holiday Inn Express on Dock Street, fits in well with the surrounding buildings and fills in the unsightly gap in the street there. Dock Street is one of my favourite Dundee Streets has great buildings on it such as Saliors Home (1881) and Tay Hotel (1889) which are being turned into flats and an apart hotel respectively.

The Wave 15 storey tower at City Quay looks great and should create a sort of gateway landmark at the east end of City Quay. The Abertay Student flats also look great in the North West of the City Centre at Parker Street the stepped roof from east to west should be impressive when finished and is also of a decent height (10 storey at its highest)

My demolish it now
1.Compass House and Quadrant House - bland...bland...bland...and yes bland!
2.Tesco on Riverside Drive.
3.Railway Station
In fact anything West of the Railway Station on Riverside Drive except Discovery Point

If I was in charge of planning investments and developments
1. New Railway Station - modelled on the Caledonian Railway Station - disgracefully demolished in 1966
2. Concert Hall - just copy Perth's Example - however Dundee's will be better build it on the waterfront - glass panelled with views of the Tay!
3. Restoration of the Royal Arch - disgracefully demolished in 1964.
4. Some kind of viewing platform between both bridges - we seem not to make anything of having the longest road and rail bridges in Britain!!!
5. Get the V&A museum off the drawing board and happening ASAP
6. Get a design guru for the Central Waterfront
7. New community stadium 20-30,000 that could host football, rugby, gigs etc

Thats me for now I'll create a numbered list on the first page of all projects in the City....watch this space!

Excellent post Jeff, thanks for taking the time! I was looking on http://maps.live.com/ at the waterfront and realigning that wacky road network at the bridge should pay dividends, although cant help thinking its still a bit of a missed opportunity to make something of the oval/lozenge/semi-circular shaped block beside the massive roundabout. Agree with you about the Holiday Inn, its not mind-blowing but should help pull the streetscape back together and its a nice little nod with the corner curve. Where was the Victoria Arch btw?

Well, I was at a loose end this afternoon so, inspired by this thread, I took a stroll down to City Quay.

I've got to say I was impressed, most of the units are occupied now. Last time I was there was about 2 years ago and it was depressing. There were only a few uninteresting shops. I had City Quay written off as another failure like the Stack Leisure Park.

Great to see the place is having a new lease of life.

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As you can see from the photo the Royal or Victoria Arch was located to the rear of the Caird Hall at the junction of Castle Street and Dock Street. Today there is not even any historical reference to its existence. The long winding Tay Brige West On/off ramp dissects where it would have stood.

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Some posters on Flickr have contributed tothe history of its demise

There were so many beautiful victorian buildings torn down in the sixties and seventies in dundee. Everyone connected to the architectural raping of dundee should have been shot.

Unfortunately the Lord Provost at the time also owned a demolition company. Strangely enough he decided to demolish most of the beautiful old buildings in Dundee and give the demolition contract to guess who? Yip, himself. He bacame a multi millionaire and ruined our city forever. He should have never got away with it but the corrupt council did nothing. You only have to look at the beautiful buildings in Edinburgh that survived to see how Dundee might have been. Ok they have far more but we did actually have a lot.. It's an embarrassing disgrace that we only have photos to show our children.

Trojan demolition was the company, the era was called the trojan wars in dundee i believe - my dad mentions it a lot, if they weren't dead already those councilors should be shot, dundee architecture is only getting over it now (but slowly).

Dundee could have been such a beautiful city if the demolition hadnt taken place...the royal arch is just one example. we'd still have the original wellgate and overgate. the dundee west station, king street and victoria road would also be much nicer than what they currently are. there are many more little examples but these are the main crimes of the completely corrupt idiots that demolished dundee in the sixties.

Wow, who knew? I am quite shocked I had no idea Dundee had such ornate architectural jewels. It really is impoverished now when you compare it to St. Andrews or Edinburgh or in fact any of the other cities. Look at that - it's beautiful.

I suppose this would've been under the reign of Maurice McManus as Lord Provost. Ironic really that he has one of the nicest buildings in Dundee named after him.

I am at present a student in Dundee. Coming from Belfast I have a chip on my shoulder regarding loosing formerly grand train stations. I nearly jumped out of my window when I found these.

Dundee Station today...

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Now rewind about 100 years....

Dundee West

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Dundee East

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Tay Bridge Station (at the site of the current station)

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Dundee could really benefit with a new station. THe current station is a pretty grim way to enter the city. Anyone seen any pictures of proposals?

Hi Belfast bap thanks for your comment, please see my earler post re train stations #27 & 44! No firm plans yet but the Council has asked consultants to draw up proposals!

ahhh, you were a good few steps ahead of me there. Those photos break my heart. I understand that they could not have justified keeping all three stations, but it is just such a shame when you see what we are left with now.
the developments at the waterfront look good so far but I cannot see how the area will be able to be integrated into the city properly until the bulk of the waterfront development (around the leisure center etc) is complete. From a pedestrians point of view they are still relatively remote.

CONGESTION IN Dundee could soon be eased by the introduction of a park-and-ride system over the Tay.

The park-and-ride system would see commuters leave their cars on the Fife side, then travel over the Tay by bus, train or car sharing.

A similar system has already proved successful for Fife commuters to Edinburgh, while more recent schemes introduced in between commuter towns such as Kinross and Stirling have also proved popular.

Transport planners and engineers JMP Consulting have been commissioned to do a cross-Tay study by SEStran, the statutory transport partnership of eight councils—Fife, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Midlothian, Borders and West Lothian. TACTRAN, the Tayside and Central Regional Transport Partnership, has also contributed to the study’s cost.

JMP will identify potential locations for a park-and-ride site and also examine the potential for increasing car sharing and introducing special lanes for high-occupancy vehicles as they approach the Tay Road Bridge.

The study, which will take into account Dundee City Council’s plans for redesigning the waterfront and northern end of the bridge, is expected to be completed by mid-April and JMP will then give their report to SEStran and TACTRAN.

Councillor Fraser Macpherson, Dundee City Council’s planning and transport convener and chairman of TACTRAN, said he thought the introduction of a park-and-ride system would be good news for people living on both sides of the Tay.

“TACTRAN have part-funded this study because we can see obvious benefits, not just for people living in north-east Fife, but also in terms of improving traffic flow and removing congestion in Dundee,” he said.

“I am well aware, as a ward councillor in the west end, of the significant problems caused by vehicles parking in residential areas and a number of local employers, particularly Ninewells Hospital and the University of Dundee, have a lot of staff coming over from Fife.

“Clearly, having a park-and-ride system is something we would greatly welcome.

“It is a very positive development for Fife and for Dundee.

“TACTRAN has been involved in opening up the park and ride systems in Kinross and Stirling and they have been very successful,” he added.

NEW SCHEDULED air services from Dundee are set to be announced next week, confirming strong speculation over the past fortnight.

The chairman of Scottish airline Loganair, Scott Grier, and chief executive Peter Tierney, are expected to be at Dundee Airport on Monday to announce major expansion plans.

Routes suggested include the restoration of the Birmingham service, operated by flyWhoosh until their aircraft was withdrawn in early December. A revival of the Manchester route last operated by bmi in the 1990s has also been mentioned.

Yesterday the airline refused to give any information on their plans, and it was not prepared to say anything until Monday.

Loganair is understood to be one of two airlines the airport operators Highlands and Islands Airports have been talking to in the past three months.

From when it took over from Dundee City Council, Scottish Executive-owned HIAL said it would seek to expand the number of destinations offered from Dundee and last week reiterated that discussions were continuing with several airlines.

Loganair operates from Scotland’s four major airports, most of the islands airports and flies to Ireland, Norway and the Isle of Man, carrying some 500,000 passengers a year.

The arrival of Loganair will renew a link with Dundee Airport that began when both were in their infancy. The airline began as a taxi service for Logan Construction Co, and the plane they used was a frequent visitor to what was a grass strip at Riverside, during the building of the Tay Road Bridge.

Services from Dundee are likely to use the airline’s fleet of Saab 340 aircraft, the same type of plane that was flown on the Dundee Manchester route by Business Air and latterly bmi.

Interesting, I always thought that FlyBe would be the perfect airline to operate flights from Dundee and FlyBe will be taking over Loganair this year.

Loganair is reintroducing two flights from the city, which were suspended by the troubled airline Flywhoosh last year.

From May 21, the firm will operate a daily return flight to Belfast and four return flights to Birmingham each week.

Flying under the Flybe banner, Loganair say the two routes will offer people in Tayside a reliable service.

The announcement follows the collapse of FlyWhoosh who grounded its services to Birmingham and Belfast at the end of last year.

Business leaders and local politicians say these routes are vital to the local economy and

Loganair say this is only the start – they are considering other destinations in the future.

It is no secret that Dundee Airport has struggled to survive over the years and the demise of FlyWhoosh only added to its difficulties. It is hoped the involvement of Loganair will herald the start of a brighter future.

The flights will also create a handful of new jobs. It is hoped the new services will mean the future of the airport is once more on the up.

http://www.stv.tv/content/news/local/tayside/display.html?id=opencms:/news/tayside/Dundee_Airport_offers_new_destinations__20080303

Found this on the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce website

A presentation on the Dundee Waterfront Development was given on 23/1/08 by Mike Galloway, Head of Planning for Dundee City Council, to members of the Dundee City Centre Action Group.

The main points covered by Mr Galloway included the fact that the project money was previously allocated by the Scottish Government and that there is no additional costs to the local tax payer. It is projected that an additional 3,700 jobs will be created with a total benefit to the local economy of £2.4 billion.

The third and final phase of the project will commence later this year with plans to reroute the Tay Road Bridge approaches.

Great news for Dundee and of course Dundee Airport. It’s about time DND had more flights, after all, Dundee is the fourth largest city in Scotland yet its airport is currently extremely underserved, especially when you look at Inverness and even Wick.

I’m sure these routes will perform very well for FlyBe and hopefully they will add some of the following destinations, as I’m sure they will all work well from DND.

Amsterdam
Bristol
Cardiff
Dublin
London Gatwick
Manchester
Paris CDG
Southampton

Any news on the vacant site next to Groucho's?

Dundee to Birmingham now on sale at www.flybe.com (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1983081-10305673), flights appear to be 3x daily.

Hi Danny, re the Grouchos site, I had anticipated work to have begun here (planning permission was granted in Jan 2006) for hotel and offices. Don't know whether there has been issues purchasing the various pieces of land. On dundeewaterfront.com it says expected on site early 2007. However no ground work has begun yet

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A £1.5 MILLION extension to the Queen’s Hotel was given the go-ahead by the city council’s development quality committee last night.

It is now anticipated that work on the project will begin in the summer of next year with an expected completion date in 2010.

The three-storey extension, which will add another 30 bedrooms, is to be built in the car park area at the rear of the hotel. It will be built on columns so that parking spaces can be retained.

Despite objections over the scale of the extension, its design and the materials to be used from Dundee Civic Trust and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, council planning and transportation director Mike Galloway recommended the application for approval.

The director said the design of the extension had been altered from a previous submission, resulting in an improvement to the scheme. In terms of the scale of the new building, Mr Galloway said the existing hotel was 41/2 storeys high and the extension, though large, would not compete with or dominate it.

Councillors unanimously decided to grant planning permission for the proposal and approved an accompanying application for listed building consent for alterations to the Category B hotel.

Hotelier and owner Gordon Sneddon warmly welcomed the committee’s decision last night.

“This £1.5 million project is a significant investment in both the hotel and the city of Dundee at a time when the Scottish hospitality industry faces a challenging and competitive national and international market,” he said.

“As a Victorian heritage hotel with a 130-year vintage, the extension project brings with it a key opportunity to play to our strengths.

“We have worked very closely with the council’s planning department to bring about a sympathetic and viable development project for the extension of the Queen’s Hotel and are delighted with the council’s endorsement this evening.”

was up in "sunny" Dundee the other day with work and had a nosey down at the harbour.

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It is remarkably sunny most days of the year, the one thing I miss when I am at work in overcast Stirling! Anyway another pic of Overgate extension
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An international conference is taking place in Dundee to examine how planning and regeneration can tackle climate change.

Policymakers and experts from around the world have gathered for the two day seminar at the Marryat Hall.

Dundee's Waterfront project is being highlighted as an example of sustainable redevelopment, which aims to benefit the environment in the long term.

Dundee City Council’s Mike Galloway said: "We're using much more in the way of renewable energy sources. I think we're one of the few cities in Scotland where you can see wind turbines in the horizon - just out of the window here, but also in terms of much more micro-generation within our developments.

“One of the projects we'll be announcing at the conference will be the Dundee Waterfront project where we're committed to using sustainable resources there and to making that development as recyclable as possible."

http://www.stv.tv/content/news/local/tayside/display.html?id=opencms:/news/tayside/Climate_control_conference_held_in_Dunde_2008031

Waterfront announcement

THE DEVELOPMENT brief for a prominent site on Dundee's waterfront will be issued soon, following a decision by the Dundee Central Waterfront Project Board.

Dundee City Council's representatives at the world's largest property market, currently being held in France, announced the move yesterday (WEDNESDAY).

Convener of Dundee City Council's economic development committee, Joe Morrow said: "Land at Yeaman Shore, which is currently being used as a temporary car park, will become available soon and we will be encouraging developers to bring forward their proposals for the site.

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"Its communications links couldn't be better sitting as it does on the inner ring road and just a few metres from Dundee railway station."

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The announcement comes in the wake of news that a local computer games development studio which works on titles for platforms including PS3, XBox and Wii has moved into new premises at Seabraes Yard.

Proper Games joins other tenants at the property which was designed for digital media and creative industries.

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A leading hotel chain is also close to signing a deal to lease a new building to be constructed on land adjacent to the inner ring road to the south of Nethergate.

Cllr Morrow added: "With the waterfront redevelopment planned to span the next 25 years, there will be periods such as this when there are flurries of activity involving smaller parcels of land, times when it seems nothing is happening or major announcements featuring world class developments.

"That is the nature of such a long term redevelopment, and shows the hard work that is constantly going on to market the waterfront in a way that will meet our vision for what is a very special area of the city."

Danny the final piece and image above refers to the Grouchos site.

http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/waterfront_mov

New promotional video giving a 3D fly through of the new Dundee Waterfront

Cheers for all these updates guys!

That's a really slick video too - very impressive, and don't you think the music is a bit like "Butterfly" by Crazy Town? Brings me a back a few years, that does. But yeah, good video - loving the big wide open spaces.

There is so much potential here - I can't wait to see how this all pans out at the waterfront, but I'm really worried that it won't be realised anywhere near as well as it could and should be...

Whats the deal with the Overgate expansion? When is it due to kick off? I've not heard anything of it recently.

Cheers for all these updates guys!

That's a really slick video too - very impressive, and don't you think the music is a bit like "Butterfly" by Crazy Town? Brings me a back a few years, that does. But yeah, good video - loving the big wide open spaces.

There is so much potential here - I can't wait to see how this all pans out at the waterfront, but I'm really worried that it won't be realised anywhere near as well as it could and should be...

Just looking at the image above of the curvy 'dock' with grass in the corners is giving me great concern. This is not the waterfront public space the city needs, again car parking (you can see it adjacent) is taking precedence over the public realm . Whilst the intentions of the council have to be praised i fear that this scheme lacks any real sufistication and could ultimately be very disappointing. I am aware that discussions about the V and A are ongoing and that Kathyrn Findlay was hoping the masterplan could be re-modelled to incorporate a new building and possibly a dry dock for the unicorn ... heres hoping

Danny the final piece and image above refers to the Grouchos site.

Good news, that piece of wasteland is an eyesore.

Cheers for the info Rich and I totally agree with you Danny how such a prominent site has lain empty for so long is a mystery to me. Souldee my contacts in the Overgate lead me to believe that building will commence later this year in conjunction with building of Dundee House. I believe there has been issues with current landowners (Lidl, Salvation Army & Rac Windscreens.

Cheers for the info Rich and I totally agree with you Danny how such a prominent site has lain empty for so long is a mystery to me. Souldee my contacts in the Overgate lead me to believe that building will commence later this year in conjunction with building of Dundee House. I believe there has been issues with current landowners (Lidl, Salvation Army & Rac Windscreens).

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While the existing Olympia facility is successful in that it had an attendance in
excess of 366,000 paying customers and valued highly during 2006-07, the
proposed works in and around the Central Waterfront will continue to isolate the facility which will increasingly look out of place and dated.

In addition to this, the complex design and age of the Olympia facility continues to provide the Council with a heavy burden in terms of revenue, and while the facility is managed by Dundee Leisure within the management fee of £230,000 provided by the Council, there was still a net estimated cost of £954,000 during 2007/08 for all building/energy cost etc.

Following much previous research into a potential replacement of the building, and taking into account the additional swimming capacity within the City through the provision of the pool at St John's High School and also the two PPP school pools at the Grove Academy and St Paul's Academy, it is proposed that a facility is created to replace the leisure experience of the Olympia which would aim to maintain the vibrancy and excitement that the Olympia provides via the flumes, etc., but at the same time be designed to prove less of a financial burden on the City Council in terms of running costs.

There have been increasing demands by clubs and the student fraternity for training facilities which develop swimmers to the highest level and a basic pool with a length of 50 metres is proposed for inclusion with the new facility at Allan Street. The advent of the London Olympic Games in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 have provided new impetus to sport and acknowledgement that existing facilities at a regional level fall below today's expectations. With an imaginative and flexible design the City Architectural Services Officer and his staff have managed to include within the proposed new swimming and leisure facility at Allan Street a 50 metre competition and training pool.

In terms of available sites within the city centre area, the north end of Allan Street, which is currently used as a car park, has emerged as the preferred option. The site is well served by public transport and closer than Olympia is to the main city bus terminal. At this stage the current site of the Olympia has been discounted as have peripheral sites to the City Centre. This is based on previously agreed policy to relocate the new swimming and leisure pool on a city centre site. It is recommended that the Allan Street site be agreed as the preferred site for the replacement for the Olympia Swimming and Leisure Centre.

The key elements of the clients brief are as follows:-
Pool area including:-

50 metre pool for competitions, training, classes and leisure/fun
Family pool 20 x 10 metres
Leisure elements including rapid river/deluge
Dive Area
Flumes (Similar mix as Olympia)
Fitness Suite
Café area
Support Accommodation
Staff area, offices, foyer/entrance


It is envisaged that car parking provision for the facility will be available within theproposals 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 rightturn 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.

The City Architectural Services Officer predicts that the contractor will start on site in September 2009 and that with a construction programme of 24 months the new swimming and leisure centre will open in September 2011.

excellent news that a decent building will be going up by the east port bringing life to the seagate however does dundee really need another multi storey carpark?

what a picture,
why was it Dynamited and sent it to the bottowm of the dock with no reprieve!

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This photograph by Alexander Wilson shows The Royal Arch, a monument erected in 1848 to celebrate a visit by the Queen four years previously, the first by a monarch since the 17th century. Designed by Rochhead of Glasgow, it cost £2270.

Described as a 'splendid triumphal arch, 80 feet across' and 'in the Norman style', the structure was demolished in early 1964 to make way for the approach roads to the Tay Road Bridge. It finally fell on 16th March - when it was dynamited.

The remains were dumped into the Earl Grey and King William IV docks as part of the land reclamation scheme associated with the building of the Tay Road Bridge. Queen Victoria was a fairly regular visitor to the city, it being on her route to Balmoral.

Is it heresy to say I think that it looked bloody awful? The worst kind of kitsch wedding cake Victoriana? If nothing else, 'triumphal arch... in the norman style' is an oxymoron.

Guys see post 138 re Royal Arch :)

http://www.unicornpropertygroup.com/news/22/

Unicorn Property Group's new speculative office development, DundeeOne, is unveiled and covered by STV. DundeeOne is the biggest speculative office development of its kind in Dundee in a generation.

New photo montage of previously mentioned apartments on former Homebase site between Road and Rail bridges next to Tesco for those familiar with the area.

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Riverside Apartments offer the rare chance for purchasers to access one of the most stunning views in Dundee. Housed within a contemporary building, which blends striking design with undeniable presence, each property will benefit from a south facing aspect and balcony affording an exceptional vista across the Tay Estuary towards the rolling hills of Fife.

This exceptional scheme is the first residential development to be constructed as part of Dundee’s Waterfront regeneration programme and as such is as fittingly dramatic and distinctive as one would expect from Duncarse.

Situated in the most central of locations, the Riverside Apartments are in excellent proximity to Dundee City Centre whilst being situated parallel to the main arterial road and railway station; providing an excellent base, which would allow a walk to work for those based locally and unprecedented direct access to travelling routes for those commuting.

There will be 202 apartments in total, which will include 1, 2 and 3 bed properties

www.duncarse.com

Wow! That's such a great location for apartments, and they look pretty decent in design too! It's a bit further away from the city centre than they make out though, isn't it?

Good to see such a positive development for Dundee.

It's a bit further away from the city centre than they make out though, isn't it?



If they build a footbridge across the railway line it would shorten the walk to the city centre.

I should have mentioned as part of the planning approval a bridge has to be built across the railway line to connect to Seabraes:soon:

Danny the final piece and image above refers to the Grouchos site.

Jeff

do you know who the developer / architects is behind the Grouchos Site ?

i had heard (and i dont know if its true) that James F Stephen were no longer involved

cheers

As far as I am aware it is still James F stephen zipper...however it has been 2 years since planning was granted so this may have changed!

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This was press release back in 2006

£23m city centre development set for summer start

Work on the £23 million transformation of a prominent vacant site in central Dundee into a hotel and office complex could be under way by the summer.
Following the granting of planning approval this week, negotiations are in progress to acquire some parcels of land needed for the project, at a site to the south west of the Marketgait-Nethergate junction

Talks are taking place with Holiday Inn Express about the brand operating the 114-room hotel and there is also already interest in some of the 70,000 square feet of offices to be built.

The company behind the project is Camlin Investments Ltd, a joint-venture by Dundee-based entrepreneur Bruce Linton and fellow Scots developer David Cameron.

Mr Linton said today that he was “delighted” the multi-million development got the go ahead.

“The approval by the development quality committee was unanimous and we’d like to thank the planning department and the councillors for their support,” he said.

“It shows the total commitment of the council to the redevelopment of this whole area of the city.”

Most of the site upon which the new develpment will now be built was previously occupied by a Mitchell car hire business.

Now Camlin’s lawyers are in talks with Scottish Enterprise Tayside and the city council over the acquisition from both of some parcels of land at Greenmarket to complete the assembling of the hotel and offices site.

The plan given the approval of councillors this week is for just over 30,000 square feet of offices at the Marketgait-Nethergate junction

The hotel will be sited to the south of this, at the Marketgait-Greenmarket junction, with further suites of offices, totalling nearly 42,000 square feet, to the west of the hotel.

On the ground floor of the development there will be a variety of uses including office, licensed premises and hotel floor space.

Nearly 100 off-street car parking spaces will be provided to the rear of the buildings.

Mr Linton said today he hoped a start to the project could now be made “within four months”, with completion some 18 months later.

thanks Jeff
i had heard that the site had changed hands (dont know if that is true or not)
either way the site has sat empty for to long

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For those of you not familiar with Dundee map showing some of the major developments :)

Courtesy of Evening Telegraph

A £7.35m multi-storey car park is planned for Dundee’s Allan Street to cater for the increased demand when the replacement for the Olympia swimming and leisure centre is built (writes Brian Allison, local government reporter).

The city council has already approved in principle the building of a £22m leisure centre on the northern part of the existing Allan Street car park to replace Olympia.

Councillors will be asked next week to approve construction of a 500-space multi-storey car park at Allan Street, including infrastructure for a 7000 sq ft retail unit on the ground floor.

Planning and transportation director Mike Galloway, in a report, said that, as part of the project to develop the central waterfront, several surface-level car parks will be lost by 2011.

“It is strategically important, therefore, to consider replacement in a way that sensibly supports the local economy and the key facilities in the area,” he said.

Mr Galloway said the Olympia replacement will reduce parking spaces in Allan Street by around 50%, at the same time as increasing parking demand.

After an economic appraisal, a 500-space, secure multi-storey car park and the infrastructure for the retail unit was selected as the best option.

The director said the car park would have sufficient structural capacity to extend the top level to accommodate additional parking. There would also be flexibility to vary the size of the retail unit.

Council administration leader Kevin Keenan said, “A multi-storey car park at Allan Street would complement the new swimming and leisure centre.

“This is an exciting time for Dundee with ongoing record levels of private and public sector investment. This is evident with construction cranes springing up across the city skyline.”

It is intended that development of the car park and the leisure centre would coincide.

Courtesy of Evening Telegraph

The last remaining section of the footbridge which used to link Dundee’s railway station to the city centre is set to be removed, writes Brian Allison, local government reporter.

Dundee City Council’s planning and transport committee will be asked on Monday to approve an offer to demolish the remnants of the bridge.
A price of just over £68,000 has been negotiated with AMCO, who are currently on site completing work on the Dock Street rail tunnel.

Councillors will hear that a cost comparison was undertaken and shown to be in line with previous costs obtained in competition. Accordingly, the city engineer has recommended the offer from AMCO be accepted.

In addition to the demolition costs, an allowance of just under £12,000 is required for landscaping and lighting. Further allowances for contingencies, supervision by Network Rail and professional fees bring the estimated total cost to £95,000.

It is intended to carry out the demolition in the near future, at a time agreed with First Scotrail and Network Rail which will minimise the inconvenience to the travelling public.

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Courtesy of Evening Telegraph

The former Chamber of Commerce building in Dundee city centre has been sold to local developers.

The 19th century category A listed building has been sold to developers John Gibson and Ross Morrison for what is believed to be six-figure sum.

It was sold by J and E Chartered Surveyors on behalf of Gordon MacLure of Johnston Carmichael as liquidator of Tayside Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The new owners intend to refurbish the property – which currently comprises commercial, residential and retail premises – and let it out as offices.

Up to 10,000 sq ft within the building will be available for offices.

Jonathan Reid, surveyor at J&E Shepherd, said, “The sale of the property for its asking price to a local property company provides encouraging evidence of the confidence local companies have in Dundee’s commercial property market.”

John Gibson said, “We intend to provide modern office accommodation to suit current day requirements but contained within a historic and landmark building superbly located within the heart of Dundee.”

Ok being sentimental again

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Great archive showing Dundee West Station the Old Overgate and Nethergate and South Union Street. Where did it all go wrong? (1947)

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Churches, Old Steeple (1960) with gardens, before re-development
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Dundee from Old Steeple (1958) Shows buildings, docks, river
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Fishing (1958) King George V Dock; a wrecked fishing boat. 'EMPRESS BALLROOM' visible
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Reform street (1957) Old 'Boots'store; H. Samuel; Green Bus, centre Traffic Island

Courtesy of Evening Telegraph

Dundee and Angus need better transport links and more investment in education if they are to compete successfully in the global economy, business leaders have told the Scottish Government (writes Grant Smith).

This includes improvements to the east coast rail mainline, including the extension of tracks into Dundee port for freight traffic, and more services for Dundee airport.

The area’s chamber of commerce was responding to a consultation on a new national planning framework, which sets out in broad terms the kind of transport, energy and environmental developments ministers want to see from now until 2030. However, the chamber is concerned the government does not have a clear idea of how to develop the existing strengths of Dundee and Angus.

Chief executive Alan Mitchell said, “This area has an extensive business base, a growing international footprint and is establishing a global reputation in some of the most exciting business sectors of the 21st century.

“It already possesses education and scientific resources that are second to none, as has been recognised internationally after Dundee was named again as one of the world’s most intelligent communities by a US think tank.

“With the right government investment in the knowledge economy and transport infrastructure, Dundee and Angus will make a major contribution to a much more prosperous Scotland.”

The draft planning framework notes the “east coast corridor” between Edinburgh and Aberdeen needs to be strengthened.

It adds, “Dundee has made great strides in improving the quality of the city centre, enhancing cultural facilities and establishing new centres of expertise in key areas of the knowledge economy. Many young people come for further education. A key challenge is to create the opportunities which allow a higher proportion of them to stay.”

In its response to the draft, the chamber said Dundee and Angus could be a major driver of prosperity for Scotland, provided the problems of falling population and high levels of economic inactivity could be tackled.

The area’s prime assets included a global reputation in advanced medical research, two “world-class” universities and two successful and innovative colleges.

The chamber believes there are two areas where Government intervention can make the most difference, saying, “First, through investment in higher and further education, it can sustain the knowledge economy on which we increasingly depend. The region’s institutions need capacity-building investment to maintain the skills and knowledge base. Second, through investment in transport.”

It says there was a strong case for further investment in the east coast main line. Creating a rail terminal at Dundee port would help to create a integrated freight hub. More financial support for Dundee airport was also justified, as it had the potential for significant growth.

Courtesy of BBC Scotland news website

The man who will help decide if Dundee should be named the world's smartest place is paying the city a visit.

Dundee has been nominated as one of the top seven in the Intelligent Community of the Year awards alongside areas of the US, Canada and South Korea.

It was shortlisted for the way it has transformed itself into a centre for life sciences and digital media.

The chairman of the New York-based group behind the award, John Jung, will be in the city until Sunday.

Mr Jung, from the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), said he was looking for an area with the "wow" factor.

"You've transformed yourself from a period of crisis to one that is an excellent model for others to look at," he said.

"The other wow factor in this town is how you guys went from ship building, jute and jam to computer games - what a phenomenal change."

He added that he would be studying the infrastructure, the commitment of the community and how innovation has been used to transform Dundee.

You're already a winner. You're the best in your market place

Dundee also made the top seven last year but was beaten by Waterloo in Canada, where the Blackberry wireless e-mail device was created.

Mr Jung told the BBC Scotland news website that Dundee - known as the City of Discovery - should not be disappointed if it does not clinch the number one spot this time around.

He said: "You're already a winner. You're the best in your market place.

"All the things that you want to be doing - attracting investment, raising public profile, getting your citizens to embrace technology - you've already done that.

"So what you're doing at this stage, it's more the beauty contest side."

The winning city will be chosen on 16 May.

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Land At Former Tay Rope Works Magdalen Yard Road Dundee. Residential development comprising of 7 flats to south, 4 flats to north and 3 houses and enviromental improvements to boundary walls. www.duncarse.com

Nice to see these old pics, Jeff. Good to see Dundee coming up again!

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From Evening Telegraph

A leading councillor today said the country’s main rail operators should “hang their head in shame” over the rundown state of Dundee train station (writes Graham Huband).

Economic Development Convener Joe Morrow said the “tatty” station was fast becoming an embarrassment to the city and urged Network Rail and First Scotrail to commit to a major overhaul.

The neglected look of the station has been a bone of contention for city dwellers for years and Dundee West MP Jim McGovern has previously made numerous calls for its refurbishment.

Cllr Morrow said the time was right for action from the rail authorities as hundreds of millions of pounds were being invested in Dundee’s flagship central waterfront project, transforming the area around the station.

Earlier this month, the council approved the removal of the last piece of a walkway leading from the railway station over the remodelled South Marketgait inner ring road.

The spur had been left in place as staff working in offices on the upper floor of the station had no other means of escape in the event of fire.

In an open letter to Network Rail and First Scotrail, Cllr Morrow said, “In the middle of a 30-year multi-million pound project to overhaul Dundee’s waterfront sits this relic from a bygone age.

“Network Rail and FirstScotrail management should hang their heads in shame for not seizing the opportunity to rid Dundee of what is fast becoming an embarrassment to them and to the city.

“It is long overdue that Network Rail and First Scotrail stood up and were counted among those playing a full and dedicated part in the transformation, instead of just tinkering with minor improvements to their property and facilities.

“The last remaining remnant of the old walkway across South Marketgait linking the station with the city centre will be coming down in the next few weeks, and that should provide a kick start to improvements at the station.”

A Network Rail spokesman today said a total refurbishment of the station would cost millions of pounds and they were therefore disappointed that Cllr Morrow had decided to launch a public attack on them over the issue.

The spokesperson said, “We have no record of Mr Morrow contacting us to raise concerns regarding Dundee station.

“It is disappointing that he has publicised his misconceptions in a press release without first giving us the opportunity to discuss an important issue like the regeneration of Dundee waterfront with him.

First ScotRail said today it had installed CCTV, ticket gating, extra cycle hoops and a ticket vending machine in the last year at the station. It also said it was working on plans for an interchange waiting facility.

A spokesman said, “To date, we have received no correspondence from Mr Morrow and we will respond directly to him on receipt of his comments.”

BBC article
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7358850.stm

From the Herald

Dundee University is to be home to a new life science institute, dedicated to the research of cell signalling, as a result of a £10m Scottish Government grant announced yesterday by Alex Salmond.

Dundee is already a global leader in the study of the means by which diseases attach themselves to cells and spread through the body, and the university's foremost expert on the science, Sir Philip Cohen, is to head the new institute.

It is anticipated the grant can be used to attract further medical research funding. Welcoming the move, Sir Philip said: "Cell signalling is one of the largest branches of the life sciences and an area of great importance to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

"Dundee is recognised as a world leader in this field and the new institute will not only reinforce its position but also enable it to develop new strengths in emerging areas of cell signalling that will furnish the major drug targets of the future."

Not sure if this means a new build or not:?

Hopefully the developers of the Chamber of Commerce building will reinstate the original spire. Apparently it had to be removed as it was too heavy. As Charles McKean said, this could be done with modern lightweight materials.

April 2008

Bell Lawrie moves Dundee operation to 4,000 sq ft office in Shed 26, City Quay

With the announcement that another of Dundee's top companies has moved into City Quay, the company behind the regeneration of this historic part of the waterfront predicts a bright future for Dundee's growing city centre.

The latest tenant to move into City Quay is Bell Lawrie, the leading private client investment manager, which has let 4,000 sq ft in Shed 26.

Tim Allan, of Unicorn Property Group said: "City Quay has been developed, refurbished and successfully let or sold nearly all the commercial space - or what amounts to a new commercial quarter of Dundee's city centre, set in the dramatic old buildings built by the Victorians as maritime sheds.

"The company backed a vision for the city: an enlarged city centre, with top class commercial and residential accommodation, built in a new quarter of the city which is a link to the city's proud maritime history. We are pleased that firms of the calibre of Bell Lawrie share that vision."

Bell Lawrie, who has seven offices in Scotland, employ 21 staff in Dundee, including investment managers, financial services consultants and administrative staff, will move the entire operation to City Quay.

Ian MacDonald, Division Director of Bell Lawrie in Dundee, said: "We are delighted to secure this excellent new office space at City Quay. This investment signals our confidence that our company will continue to grow in years to come as we look to strengthen our client offering throughout Tayside.”

Letting agent, Andrew Dandie of Graham + Sibbald, which acted for Unicorn said: "The commercial success of City Quay – and the number of enquiries we are getting for DundeeOne – is great news for Dundee. Unicorn is developing a genuinely visionary plan for the historic Docks and the company's plans and buildings are recognised as an important part of the city's ongoing regeneration."

City Quay was acquired by Unicorn Property Group in 2005, and the company has developed Shed 26 and 27 into top quality commercial accommodation. There are 12 new Units (numbered 27 - 38) at City Quay, which to date have been purchased or leased by a series of well known professional companies.
ENDS.

Link: http://www.unicornpropertygroup.com


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

ENET opens City Quay to new business in Tayside


Business Gateway operator Enterprise North East Trust lets Units 27–29 at City Quay

One of the largest providers of purpose built offices and meeting spaces for small businesses in the North East of Scotland is the latest company to move into City Quay, on Dundee’s Waterfront.

Enterprise North East Trust (ENET) delivers the Business Gateway service in Tayside and Grampian and the private company has signed leases to occupy Units 27-29, a total of around 6,000 sq ft.

The move means that many of Dundee and Tayside’s younger and smaller businesses will be able to use and enjoy the stunning meeting and conference rooms at City Quay.

Karen Pugh, Director of Enterprise North East Trust, said: “The City Quay development gave us the opportunity to design the internal space to create the flexible working environment that we needed. ENET has created a meeting and training room suite for the delivery of Business Gateway, office space for our Business Advisors and support team and Quayside Conference Centre which has three conference rooms that are available for hire on an hourly, half day or full day basis. The Conference Centre has all the facilities, services and equipment you need to organise a meeting or conference as well as a dedicated reception and support service and a luxurious breakout and refreshment area.”

Tim Allan, director of Unicorn Property Group, which renovated and let the property, said: “City Quay is truly a dynamic quarter of the city of Dundee, for living and for business. Alongside the outstanding living offered by Unicorn’s residential developments, we are proud that so many companies are moving into this first rate commercial accommodation on the city’s historic waterfront.”

Andrew Dandie, partner in Graham + Sibbald, which acted for Unicorn Property Group said: “The letting of three units to ENET further underlines that the City Quay area of Dundee is the most dynamic business district in the City, with ENET joining other occupiers such as SMC Parr and EQ Chartered Accountants. Demand has been such that we will soon have successfully let or sold all the available units. Such is the success of the area that the future looks prosperous for Unicorn’s DundeeOne office development for which I am receiving a steady number of initial enquiries.”

City Quay is a development of Victorian maritime sheds which offer excellent parking and panoramic views over the River Tay in a fully modernised and specified accommodation, set in an historic riverside context.

Tim Allan commented: “Unicorn’s vision for City Quay was to preserve and celebrate the heritage of this area of the city centre – which played such an important part in Dundee’s commercial past – by bringing it up to date and turning it into a new, vibrant quarter of the city, linking the city to the River Tay.”

City Quay was acquired by Unicorn Property Group in 2005, and the company has developed Shed 26 and 27 into top quality commercial accommodation. There are 12 new Units (numbered 27 - 38) at City Quay.

CALLS TO upgrade Dundee Railway Station are gathering steam with a new request to the Scottish Government to step in.

The man leading the clamour has written to transport minister, Stewart Stevenson looking for backing at the highest levels in the Scottish Government.

Joe Morrow, convener of Dundee City Council's economic development committee, as well as chair of the Waterfront Board, said: "After the frankly poor response I got from First Scotrail and Network Rail, I have now written to Stewart Stevenson asking him to look at the way the two companies invest in Scotland's critical transport infrastructure.

"Network Rail has said that completely redeveloping Dundee station would cost tens of millions of pounds and need the backing of local and central government, and if that is what is needed so be it.

"In this era of greater consensus between local and central government, I would like to see the minister taking ownership of this issue and helping to drive forward a solution.

"Train operators have their part to play as well, but frankly looking at recent years, I would call First Scotrail, First Central ScotRail based on their investment priorities.

"Fair enough that most passengers use the railways in the Forth/Clyde corridor, but no wonder when you come north of the Forth and look at the shoddy state of the services people are expected to use.

"As a regular user of the railways in recent years, I have seen the fabric of stations, including Dundee, deteriorate before my eyes and cannot blame people outside Glasgow and Edinburgh who want to find alternative means of getting around.

"The transport minister must surely be concerned that in an age when we are aware of the environmental risks posed by excessive private car use, and when we are encouraging visitors from other countries to come to Scotland that in the country's fourth city the railway station is a disgrace."

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A computerised image of how the new building will look.

Dundee’s newest commercial development — an £8 million casino, restaurant and office complex — will shortly start appearing above ground on a derelict city centre site.

The eight-storey landmark building already has its foundations in place and should become visible to street level passers-by from May 12 onwards.
The company behind the project, Marketgait Developments Ltd., has now released a computerised image of the building showing its location in West Marketgait.

Occupying a high profile corner of West Marketgait near West Port — the site of the former Coconut Grove nightclub, it is expected to be completed by autumn next year.

The development extends back from West Marketgait and encompasses a former garage and building yard. It is bounded by Hawkhill to the south and Brown Street to the west. North of the site is a Travelodge and office.

The man behind the project, Bruce Linton, said it was “huge” building that matched the height of Argyll House on the other side of West Marketgait. Rank Grosvenor has already been signed up to run the casino and talks are under way with supermarket operators, including Tesco and Somerfield, about a ground floor convenience store.

“I’m happy with the level of interest that’s being shown at the moment,” said Mr Linton. “We also have a restaurateur looking at that facility on the other half of the ground floor.” The fourth floor of the building will provide office accommodation and the fifth to eighth floors serviced apartments.

Mr Linton said his company was presently in talks with a leading brand hotel operator keen to take over the apartments. He added, “There’s a growing demand from the likes of university professors for apartments like these for possibly three to four months at a time.”

The development is ideally placed to take advantage of this being approximately equidistant between the city’s two universities. All going according to schedule, the project should be completed by August next year with the casino operational the following month.

Are you sure that's the right image, Jeff?

Don't look 8 storeys, or huge, to me :)

Good news that such a large development is going ahead though!

Look like 8 if you see from the image below. Will try and get some pics of this when it starts to appear. The mill building in the right of the image is 3 storeys in height as a reference point. The site has a very large footprint as you can see. Do like it though!

Other pics from earlier posts
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Ah ok from that view it definetely looks like 8!

Nice one :)

From BBC Scotland

Jim McGovern feels the station is run down and lacking facilities

An MP is questioning why Dundee's train station is not receiving the same investment as others in Scotland.

Dundee West Labour MP, Jim McGovern, is angry at proposals to spend £190m upgrading Haymarket in Edinburgh.

He feels the station in his constituency is in immediate need of refurbishment but is always missed out.

He is asking the Scottish Government to step in to provide funding, claiming the current building gives a bad impression of the city to visitors.

'Run down'

Mr McGovern said: "I have long campaigned for a refurbishment of our Dundee train station which is in desperate need of a revamp.

"I have no doubt whatsoever that a revamp of Dundee train station would cost nothing in the region of £190m, but would make an enormous difference not only for the local people who use the station regularly but also for tourist who visit Dundee."

He raised concerns about the bad reputation the city may gain because of the station.

He said: "The many people who visit Dundee arrive at our train station to find it run down, dilapidated, with few of the facilities tourists do not unreasonably expect at a train station.

"This is certainly not the impression of Dundee we want them to take home with them."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The rail industry and regional bodies have not yet submitted any firm proposals for funding improvements to Dundee station.

"Any final proposal would be considered alongside other bids on the basis of benefits to passengers and the strength of the business case."

I think Dundee should stick to its guns on the station issue. How the city ended up with such an embarrasing bit of legoland is a mystery, especially when you see what had to be demolished to make way for it (West station).

Update on Mcmanus Galleries project http://www.mcmanus.co.uk/the-future/projectupdate.htm

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Hunter Street is is front of Dundee Uni's new teaching and education block (white building) behind the West Port Bar with the clock in the centre of the picture

There is a very high and growing demand for quality parking facilities in the Hunter Street area. The existing surface level car parks at Hunter Street and South Tay Street currently provide 92 long stay and 45 variable stay spaces which is not sufficient to provide for the demand created by the adjacent University Campus, new student housing and business developments and the Cultural Quarter. There is a growing need to satisfy the day time commuter and retail parking demands as well as the growing demand arising from the vibrant evening economy.

In support of the Council's primary objective to create a thriving economy through growth of the financial, leisure and retail sectors which will occur mainly in the City Centre there is an urgent requirement to provide a retail development site for the purposes of relocation of an existing retail outlet (Lidl) in order to allow the proposed extension of the Overgate Centre to progress.


It is proposed that the development of the site is advertised to seek a potential partnering contractor. The development has to accommodate a circa 430 space Multi Storey Car Park with retail accommodation at ground level and a commercial development at the West End of the site. The successful partnering contractor will design and construct the car park and retail unit on behalf of Dundee City Council who will continue to own and operate these new facilities.

The proposed option of advertising to engage with a partnering contractor to build the Multi Storey Car Park with a retail unit and to bring forward other commercial proposals to enhance the development was selected because it will provide a considerable capital receipt which will help offset the capital costs of the much needed Car Park and Retail Unit. The adjacent development site, earmarked for commercial proposals, is not sufficiently marketable as a development opportunity in isolation.

The recommendation therefore is that the Council seek to deliver the Hunter Street Development as a 'turn key' project in partnership with a private sector contractor.

just how many new car parks does dundee actually need? with the green market car park recently completed, a new can park planned to be built by borders bookshop and the proposed expansion of the overgate car park imminent along with all the others we already have I cant help thinking that yet again this site lack will be another missed opportunity. Put the car parking underground or just encourage people to use public transport and lets have a nice city for people instead of cars dundee city council

I presume the reasons for this are so there aren't any in the Central Waterfront Area, plus the need to offer Lidl an alternative site so that the Overgate expansion can occur, since Tesco's beat them to the West Port Casino site. There is only a surface car park there at the moment so can't imagine it can be any worse than that!

There is a massive parking problem in the Westport and Hawkhill areas of Dundee. It's a nightmare getting parked there at any time of the day on any day of the week. Given the huge amount of development in the past few years and the developments planned, its imperative that a parking solution is found. It's a ground level car park just now so replacing it with a multi storey with ground level commercial uses makes perfect sense. All the new car parks are just replacing ground level car parks with multi storeys and significantly increasing the number of spaces in the process. Given that there are now thousands more people living in the city centre than at any time recently and all the new commercial and shopping developments, more car parks are pivitol. You also have to remember that the universities (especially Dundee uni) has increased hugely in size in the past 10 years. The core of the city centre is all pedestrianised so i don't see any major problems with building car parks around the periphery of the city centre. Its also stretching the city centre in the process.

It's important that Overgate Phase 2 goes ahead and while car parks are irksome it's surely a price worth paying.

A new £7m multi-storey car park with retail space on the ground floor is being proposed to serve the north west of Dundee city centre.

Dundee City Council's planning and transport committee will consider a report recommending development at the site in Hunter Street at its meeting on Monday (May 12).

Committee convener, Fraser Macpherson said: "With around 430 spaces proposed for the car park it will go a long way to meeting the ever increasing need for parking in that area of the city.

"Demand created by Dundee University, student housing and business developments has boosted the number of vehicles during the day, while the vibrant cultural quarter has increased the need for parking spaces at night.

"More than three times the existing number of spaces in the area will enhance the car parking provision in that part of Dundee."

According to a report by director of planning and transportation Mike Galloway an in depth background study has been carried out, and a short list of options costed against council funding guidelines.

The report recommends advertising for a potential partnering contractor to design and build the car park and retail unit on behalf of Dundee City Council as the best solution.

Other commercial proposals could also be put forward to enhance the development, but the new facilities will continue to be owned and operated by Dundee City Council.

The existing street level car parks at Hunter Street and nearby South Tay Street currently have space for 132 cars

JUSTICE SECRETARY Kenny MacAskill last night confirmed that a “much-needed” crime-fighting lab is to be built in Dundee.

Millions of pounds will be invested in the forensic science centre in the city after years of pressure to replace the existing lab.

The decision means the Scottish Police Services Authority—set up last year to provide forensic services to all Scottish forces—can now work with developers to acquire a site for the new-build lab.

But the minister also said he has asked SPSA to look again at the proposed closure of the lab in Aberdeen and its implications for the provision of forensic services to Grampian Police and Northern Constabulary.

No decision will be taken to close the Aberdeen lab—which was in line to merge with Dundee—in the meantime.

“The question of how best to provide forensic services to Scotland’s eight police forces has been the subject of detailed discussions for several years,” said Mr MacAskill.

“It is clear that the four existing labs cannot continue to provide a high-quality service without substantial new investment. Following careful consideration, I have approved SPSA’s proposals for a new-build, state-of-the-art lab in Dundee.

“When completed in 2009, this purpose-built facility will greatly enhance the provision of forensic services in Scotland, benefiting the Scottish police service and the wider criminal justice system.”

At present there are forensic science laboratories in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, but there was widespread recognition investment was needed for purpose-built facilities.

“I am clear that all eight Scottish police forces, including Grampian and Northern, must receive the best possible forensic service,” he said.

“That is why I have approved SPSA’s proposal for a much-needed new forensic laboratory in Dundee, replacing the existing cramped and unsatisfactory facility.

“This is an example of the way in which the SPSA can drive and deliver real improvements in the quality and efficiency of police support services.”

Ministers have already agreed that a new laboratory should be built as part of the Glasgow Crime Campus.

Following a review of forensic facilities, SPSA submitted a business case proposing to integrate the Aberdeen and Dundee laboratories into a new-build centre at Dundee.

“The Government has been persuaded by the clear and convincing case put forward for a new-build laboratory facility in Dundee,” said SPSA chief executive David Mulhern. “However, the Justice Secretary has asked us to look again at the issues that surround our initial proposal to close the Aberdeen laboratory.”

Dundee is already home to the Scottish DNA database and has lobbied for an extension to its forensics department for some time.

The cost of the centre was estimated at £13 million in 2005.

Tayside Chief Constable John Vine told The Courier, “I am absolutely delighted to hear of this development.

“It is something that I have campaigned for over several years and I am sure that it will fit perfectly within the portfolio of scientific excellence that flourishes in Dundee.

“Tayside Police put a business case forward to the Scottish Executive to re- locate the Police Forensic Science Laboratory Dundee to another tailored or purpose-built site in the city about five years ago, as the facility outgrew its base within Tayside Police headquarters.

“The new facilities will allow the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) to enhance the service it currently provides, with Dundee at the heart of developing forensic excellence.

“At the same time, re- location of the laboratory will free up much needed space for other functions.”

He added, “I commend the Scottish Government for the decision they have taken.”

Subject to further consideration by the SPSA board, the Dundee lab could see a seven-figure investment over a number of years.

Figures on projected costs will only be finalised after talks with developers, and the Government said these would be in “commercial confidence” until finalised.

“In the SPSA’s first year, we have become the first part of the UK to deliver an integrated forensic service from crime scene through to court,” added Mr Mulhern.

“Now as we enter year two, we are looking to ensure we have the foundations in place to deliver that integrated service for many years to come.”

Does anyone know what's happening to the vacant lot on Blackness Road, previously the Harris Acdemy annexe?

It was rumoured that a Mosque was to be built there but I haven't heard anything recently.

There is a massive parking problem in the Westport and Hawkhill areas of Dundee. It's a nightmare getting parked there at any time of the day on any day of the week. Given the huge amount of development in the past few years and the developments planned, its imperative that a parking solution is found. It's a ground level car park just now so replacing it with a multi storey with ground level commercial uses makes perfect sense. All the new car parks are just replacing ground level car parks with multi storeys and significantly increasing the number of spaces in the process. Given that there are now thousands more people living in the city centre than at any time recently and all the new commercial and shopping developments, more car parks are pivitol. You also have to remember that the universities (especially Dundee uni) has increased hugely in size in the past 10 years. The core of the city centre is all pedestrianised so i don't see any major problems with building car parks around the periphery of the city centre. Its also stretching the city centre in the process.

The car park site at hunter street has the potential to accommodate a quality mixed use development or university building which could add vibrancy to the area and make a proper urban connection between the west port and the university. To build a car park and lindl there so to allow another huge cart park to be built along with the a monolithic extension to the overgate (with the removal of 2 more listed buildings and the fine salvation army building) is not a sustainable way to develop a city and continues the trend of poor developments which only benefit the city in the short term (you only need to look at the wellgate and its car park to appreciate that). I noted the cost of this development will be 7 million pounds, the same as the car park by the borders store, what are the chances that the same building design will be used on both plots with no consideration being made to their surroundings? I appreciate that it may be frustrating for people living by the hub not being able to find a car parking space but surely the walk from the overgate, or north lindsay street where yet another decked car park i planned is not that far.

Hi Rich, I agree with your first point regarding mixed use versus car park. As for Overgate extension, I don't mind losing any of the buildings in that area as it is oh so higglety pigglety along Marketgait. The tenements to be demolished aren't of much particular significance and the way in which the original Overgate sanitised the area means they look decidedly out of place. When the Overgate was redevloped they had a great opportunity to re-establish linday street and barrack street for pedestrian movement. I also agree re the Wellgate point. I believe the car park at the Borders site will be built by the council however the one at the West Port will be delivered by a private contractor. Given the most recent car parks at Gellatly Street and Greenmarket, I am sure the design should be acceptable!

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New 3D modelling of waterfront plus model of City Quay with 15 storey Wave Tower at Entrance and Camperdown and Victoria Dock

Cheers for posting that Jeff, very interesting and a dramatic change from the mess you have there right now! One question though - is anything being done to the arse end of the Caird Hall that will present itself to this new public Square?

Crusty, looks like a car park eh!! Any ideas what we could put it to good use as? As a historical note it used to be the Bus Terminus for all the City Centre Buses in the 60's (not that I can remeber that I only made it into the 70's by 4weeks!):banana:

Courtesy of Evening telegraph

In spite of being hit by recent job losses, Dundee’s unemployment rate has fallen in the last 12 months and the city has a thriving economy, according to city council administration leader Kevin Keenan (writes Brian Allison, local government reporter). Councillor Keenan said unemployment fell by more than 300 last year at a time when there were upwards of 1600 redundancies. “Despite losing jobs, which we all regret, unemployment in Dundee fell from 4.1% in March 2007 to 3.7% in March 2008,” he said.

“Job vacancies increased, with the ratio of unemployment numbers to notified job vacancies improving from 4.4% in March 2007 to 2.7% in March 2008.” Mr Keenan pointed to the news that Tesco is to create 300 new jobs at its customer call centre in the city, followed quickly by an announcement that the new National Life Sciences Institute will lead to 40 jobs when it opens in Dundee later this year. “This is further proof that the city continues to have a healthy and thriving economy despite the painful job losses we have experienced in the past year,” he said.

Among the other positive employment announcements in the past year, Mr Keenan cited 160 jobs at the new Alliance Trust headquarters, 100 more jobs at BNP Paribas, more than 250 jobs at Morrisons supermarket, and 70 jobs in medical research. “And we continue to see major investments in new housing developments, office accommodation, educational facilities and hotels,” he said. “Since 1997, the number of companies operating in Dundee has increased by over 500 and the number of employees by almost 10,000.” Mr Keenan said Dundee was undergoing a process of change from a city of manufacturing to one that used knowledge to generate wealth.

“Since 2003 the number of jobs in the manufacturing sector has fallen and now only 10% of the Dundee economy is made up of such jobs, down from 14.5% five years ago,” he said. “The process of change in the city’s economy is a painful one for the companies and individuals affected and we still need government help to ease that transition. “But the recent good news is more proof that we do have successful strategies in place to handle that change and to bounce back from the blows we have had to deal with.”

He said nearly 80% of firms in Dundee benefit in some way from using broadband to do business and the resulting increase in profitability is 10% greater than the national average. “There are further opportunities for growth offered by the land and infrastructure now available along the Kingsway, with a £30 million planning application to be considered in coming months to create offices and associated works at the former Valentine’s factory.” Mr Keenan said he wanted to pay tribute to the council’s economic development department and other public agencies in the city for the work being done to bolster Dundee’s economy.

Courtesy of Evening Telegraph

Flights to Birmingham and Belfast were restored at Dundee Airport today to a unanimous welcome from passengers aboard the new Flybe services (writes aviation reporter Brian Smith). The first plane to take off to Birmingham at 7am today was nearly full, signalling optimism for the future of the route. Graham Everett, head of customer services with Loganair, operating the flights under their franchise agreement with Flybe, said, “Bookings for the first month are good.”

Loganair is returning to the airport where it operated its first scheduled air services in 1963, when founder Willie Logan won the tender to build the Tay Road Bridge. One of the first passengers to check in, Theresa MacGregor, said she was flying down to a housing association meeting in Birmingham. “Normally I go the day before from Edinburgh, but this flight from Dundee means I can go down in the morning and be back in the evening of the same day.”

Ian Anderson said he had been a regular traveller for Royal Mail on the previous service and was very happy to see the flights return. He said he had been impressed with booking and check in arrangements. “I am delighted the flights are back up. “It has been a good quick service and everyone has been very friendly,” he said.

Flybe are operating three flights daily from Dundee to Birmingham and a single rotation to Belfast in the middle of the day, with one flight on a Sunday to each destination. Flights had been previously operated by the now folded flyWhoosh, who ended services suddenly last December after Polish aircraft supplier White Eagle Aviation pulled their aircraft out of the UK. The decision was a blow to Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd., who had only taken over the running of Dundee Airport earlier that month.

HIAL promised to bring new destinations to Dundee as part of the plans for the future of the airport and their long relationship with Loganair is the first to bear fruit as they picked up the Birmingham and Belfast routes after a five month gap. Mr Everett said, “We have been working on this for weeks making sure everything was ready. HIAL have been great and hopefully that will make this a simple operation.”

He added that with full online check in available through Flybe, passengers’ journeys are made even easier. Airport manager Graeme Bell said staff had performed well as some 60 people boarded the flights to London and Birmingham before 7am. “Its like we have been doing this for years,” was his verdict. More new flights from Dundee Airport were promised by Loganair today as the airline launched the routes.

Encouraged by the response of the Dundee public, Loganair chairman Scott Grier made a commitment to growing their base in Dundee. He said, “I am very encouraged. The catchment area can support a number of services and we are going to be looking hard at that. “We have not survived without being sensible and we have got to get these new services bedded down. “Aviation is going through a difficult period with high fuel costs but we will go forward to more than just two routes.”

At this stage, Mr Grier said he would not give any details of the destinations that are being considered, although he conceded they would be within the UK, as part of their franchise arrangement with Flybe. Mr Grier said there had been a “little disappointment” at the three day hiccup which delayed reservations in Belfast after the route was announced. However, he said, “I have been greatly encouraged, particularly by reservations in recent weeks and that gives us confidence to go on with it.”

He also acknowledged the work done by flyWhoosh in establishing the Birmingham and Belfast flights. Transport minister Stewart Stevenson said the Scottish Government remained committed to the development of Dundee airport, both directly and through HIAL. “I don’t believe they simply want to come here for the short term,” the minister said. In terms of infrastructure he noted Dundee Airport appeared “a bit short of car parking” with the current three destinations it has and that further routes would add to the problem.

While additional parking is being looked at, he said he would like to see public transport improved given the airport’s proximity to the city centre. Dundee West MSP Joe Fitzpatrick said he welcomed the return of the routes. He added, “It is important for people who relied on it before and for the economic development of the area.”

Stv Video
http://www.stv.tv/news/tayside/New_flights_routes_available_080521114251300

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Southern Wharf, City Quay, Victoria Dock, Dundee, Scotland. A waterfront development of luxury 2 and 3 bedroom apartments overlooking to the north, Victoria Dock and to the south, the Tay Estuary. This is now almsot complete.

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Work has also commenced on the Wave - the 15 storey eliptical tower again the developer is FM developmets.

I really should get some photos but I broke the digital camera! :bash: From a personal point of view the harbour is looking really good!!! I hope a similiar job is done in the central area!

Have they actually started on the tower now? When i was last in Dundee in November they hadn't long started on the wave but there was no sign of the tower.

Thanks to Fraser Mcpherson (Councillor for the West End and Convener of Planning and Transport - Dundee City Council) and his blog for this latest info see here www.dundeewestend.com

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GELLATLY STREET

Work on two key elements that will underpin the multi million pound transformation of Dundee's waterfront will go before councillors next week.

Members of Dundee City Council's planning and transport committee will be asked to approve £450,000 of works to Gellatly Street and changes to the area's car park to help patrons of the new hotel at the site.

Planning and transport committee convener, Fraser Macpherson said: "As work on the waterfront goes on and roads are re-aligned and traffic flow changed, Gellatly Street will become much busier.

"With this in mind the road surface needs be improved and carrying out the resurfacing work now will help to avoid the potential of greater disruption in the future."

The resurfacing work will be done in two parts the first going from the south junction of Dock Street and Commercial Street round to the entrance of the multi-storey car park.

As a result Gellatly Street will temporarily change from being one-way northwards from Commercial Street to Seagate to a no-through road.

While work is going on in the first phase Gellatly Street will become two-way from Seagate to the multi-storey car park, which will remain open throughout the contract.

Heavy goods vehicles which will not have space to turn will be required to park on Seagate and transport deliveries from there to businesses in Gellatly Street.

Residents and traders in the street have been notified of the changes to the traffic flow and arrangements for deliveries while work progresses.

Plans to open the new Holiday Inn Express hotel in Dock Street are well advanced and a link between the building and the adjacent Gellatly Street car park has been agreed.

Councillors will be asked to endorse a recommendation to issue paid for permits to hotel patrons allowing them to park in Gellatly Street car park from 2pm until noon the following day.

Cllr Joe Morrow, who chairs the Waterfront Project Board said: "These two elements of activity in Gellatly Street are fundamental to the early part of the revolutionary makeover of Dundee's waterfront.

"With considerable work already completed under ground to prepare the waterfront, these two pieces of activity will be tangible evidence of the forthcoming transformation."

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Holiday Inn Express Dock Street

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Alliance Trust HQ West Marketgait

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Clocktower and City Quay Offices

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West Port Casino and Mixed Use

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Mcmanus Galleries

It's good to see these developments progressing well. I think the Alliance Trust building will be quite impressive when finished. HQ buildings give the place more of a 'big city' feel. The Holiday Inn certainly give a better impression than the advertising hoardings that were there before.

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Dundee wins an award at the Intelligent Community Forum and Economic Development Convener of Economic Development Joe Morrow promises to drive forward Dundee's Waterfront regeneration

Great to see Dundee on the up, when I visited in 2006 I was surprised at what a nice city it actually was, except for the ring road, but it looks like a lot is being done to put that fault right. Can't wait to visit again in the future sometime.

Dunno if this has been posted before or not but here's a sexy little video of the waterfront development: http://www.vimeo.com/762865

Another great new development at Mary Ann Lane/Dock Street. This proposal includes the Demolition of Bus Garage Workshops and Erection of New Residential Flatted Development including All Associated Infrastructure, Landscaping, Open Spaces and Parking. A new flatted devlopment of 9 storeys will front Dock Street with 2 further buildings behind in Mary Ann Lane with a new through road from the almost complete development at Trades Lane (see page 1 of thread) of the former Arnold Clark showroom. It is also anticipated that further develpment could occur to reinstate the corner of Dock Street and Trades Lane currently occupied by very unattractive sheds currently housing HM Brand and Machine Mart.

Dock Stree Mary Ann Lane Development orange on plan
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Ok a we bit off topic but finally the City is coming out of industrial decline like Glasgow has so its returning to the way the Corries used to sing about "Bonnie Dundee" although this had nothing to do with the town but John Graham Viscount of Claverhouse! Enjoy I Love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av2-A-igOJk

Thats a nice looking development, and will hopefully add further vibrancy to dock street. I had feared large housing developments such as this would be a thing of the past with the credit crunch - hopefully not.

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This Grade B listed library, which has been neglected of investment over the past decade, was purchased Jan 2008. It will be developed as a larger music venue or as high quality offices. The latter achievable due to the availability of car parking, which is scarce elsewhere in Dundee.

Courtesy of Evening Telegraph

The future of a proposed £6million office and leisure project in central Dundee is in doubt because of a land wrangle with the city council (writes Steven Bell).

Blackscroft Property said it appeared the authority was “changing the goalposts” and putting plans for local people ahead of job creation and economic development.
The company wants to build three 8000-square-foot office blocks and refurbish the Reading Rooms venue in the Blackscroft area.

Blackscroft Property, which has to date invested almost £1million, already owns 60% of the land, and has been involved in negotiations with the council to acquire the balance.

However, difficulties have arisen because part of the available land in the area is also wanted by Hillcrest Housing Association to build homeless accommodation in Foundry Lane.

Blackscroft director Derek Souter said, “We wanted to buy the whole site owned by Dundee City Council and offered above market value. Hillcrest want only part of it.

“We were ‘persuaded’ to split the site with Hillcrest and, now that this has been agreed at committee level, the council and Hillcrest are changing the goalposts significantly.

“The council wants Blackscroft Property to accept less and less land as Hillcrest takes more and more and also now wants us to use another slice of the rapidly decreasing site for the required screening.”

He continued, “Unless the proposed office development has the required site footprint and is screened effectively from the existing homeless hostel, it will never be marketed successfully.

“Dundee would then lose £110k and a potential £6million office development.

“It would seem job creation and long-term economic development is to be sacrificed.”

A spokesman for Dundee City Council said, “We refute allegations about ‘changing the goalposts’.

“There were extensive negotiations with the company about land in the area, but none of their offers was acceptable.

“After further negotiation, a provisional agreement was reached and it was agreed to sell the area of land to the company at the agreed price.”

The neighbouring project comprises 10 move-on flats for homeless people on the site of 100 Foundry Lane, close to a building Dundee Survival Group already occupies.

The flats would be offered under shorthold tenancies or licences to single people moving on from hostels.

Hillcrest plans to rent the new building to DSG, as they do with the existing accommodation.

Thats a nice looking development, and will hopefully add further vibrancy to dock street. I had feared large housing developments such as this would be a thing of the past with the credit crunch - hopefully not.

I've been wondering about this myself.

I mean work seems to have stopped on the Homebase site. You can see it from the train and nothing is happening there....

Danny, don't worry!!! It is my understanding that the Homebase site development will occur between 2009-11

it looked "ok" when it was built

but it looks pish now

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w28/Alileith/DSC00337.jpg

Couldn't agree more zipper especially on a dreich day like this. Only saving grace is that it is great on the inside and you can't see this when you are looking out!

Here is an article I found on the timber cladding

Peter Wilson and Ivor Davies, Centre for Timber Engineering, Napier University

The Apex Hotel in Dundee by Ian Springford Architects is an interesting example. Located in a waterfront area undergoing ongoing regeneration, the building is uncompromisingly modern with vertical western red cedar cladding at its higher levels.

For obvious reasons of maintenance, the architects elected to use the wood without a protective surface coating and accept - indeed expect - it to progressively weather to an overall grey tone. But while this will happen in the fullness of time, it should be remembered that weathering is not in itself a consistent process, with much depending on the building’s detailing, form and orientation as well as the inherent qualities of the material itself.

In the case of the Apex Hotel, the flashings used at the at top and bottom of the cladding - while essentially identical - have here produced quite different actions in the weathering over the length of the cladding boards, a process that might best be characterised as ‘leaching’, ‘bleaching’ and ‘staining’.

In this case, the flashings to the top of the cladding effectively throw water away and prevent the top 250 mm of the boards from getting wet. Because of this, the water soluble extractives in the timber in this zone have not yet been washed out, and while this top section will take longer to change colour, there is a clearly visible area of brown-coloured streaks between this and the now-bleached area below.

At the lower level, by contrast, splashback from the flashings has increased the moisture content of the bottom section of the boards with non-decay fungi in evidence as a result of the huge stresses on the fungi which have been caused by the constant wetting and drying out. The fungi lives off the lignin as the timber breaks down, and the progressive change of colour to silver grey simply shows that the fungi has spread through the outer 0.5mm of the timber. To all intents and purposes, this is exactly the same as what happens with stone, where stress tolerant fungi appear in areas permitted by the micro-climatic conditions.

In providing this rather technical description of the weathering process, it should be emphasised that the timber cladding of the Apex Hotel is well detailed with good ventilation, horizontal breaks and cavity barriers against fire spread at each storey level. There is no obvious evidence of decay fungi and the cladding will easily last several decades as there is no obvious performance reason for it to fail. In such cases, western red cedar is more likely to erode than rot as it is a relatively soft material.

The criticisms voiced recently (and published in Project Scotland) as to the appropriateness or otherwise of timber cladding on contemporary buildings are not then ones of technical effectiveness or even of the material’s durability, but should be recognised as subjective aesthetic judgements on its progressively changing appearance when untreated with preservatives or coloured stains.

Suggestions that timber cladding does not weather well are not matched by the body of evidence that now exists on its use in contemporary projects, And as with any other natural material, much depends upon the choice of the particular timber and the way in which it is detailed and maintained as well as the building’s overall form and orientation. Equally there is no indication that planning officers in Dundee or anywhere else in Scotland are unsympathetic to well-designed proposals that include timber cladding.

The reintroduction of timber cladding to Scottish architecture in recent years has involved a relatively steep learning curve for all involved in its use. Culturally we have become conditioned to the ageing process in masonry construction: the challenge for architects designers, planners and contractors as well as politicians and public is to understand and celebrate this process of change in the use of timber on the exterior of new buildings.

I was wondering how many hotel rooms there was in the City Centre and how this compares with other 3 main cities. From a quick search:

Apex Hotel West Victoria Dock Road - 153
Hilton Earl Grey Place - 129
Queens Hotel Perth Road - 52
Premier Travel Inn Riverside - 60
Travelodge West Marketgait - 48

Total - 442

Opening soon:
Holiday Inn Express Dock Street - 103
The Crescent (Tay Hotel) Dock Street - 44

Total - 589

I know there are a number of guesthouses, youth hostels etc but this seems a really low number. Obviously there are others that aren't in the City Centre but you would think there would be more!

People living in Dundee and the surrounding regions are to be asked about the potential demand for an air link between the city and Amsterdam.

Dundee Airport has launched an online survey to gather data on the service, which would link the city with one of the world's leading international hubs.

Figures show a significant number of passengers currently fly to Amsterdam via Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

More than 64,600 people flew from Dundee last year, up 22% on 2006/07.

The information gathered from the online survey will be used by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited to asses the business case for any future service.

Scheduled air services currently operating out of Dundee include flights to London City, with City Jet for Air France, and Belfast and Birmingham, with Flybe operated by Loganair.

Dundee Airport manager Graeme Bell said: "Highlands and Islands Airports Limited and Dundee Airport are committed to working with airlines to develop new scheduled routes for the City of Dundee and surrounding regions.

"A direct link to Amsterdam would be of enormous economic benefit to this area for business and leisure travel and is an important route development target for us."

The survey will be concluded on Sunday 31 August 2008.

A summary of the survey findings will be published on the Highland and Islands Airport Limited website.

If Amsterdam can operate successful from airports such as Humberside and Blackpool, Dundee should be a no brainer.

Ideally, KLM could operate this route twice a day using one of their prop aircraft.

FlyBe are now offering flights from Dundee to Europe via Birmingham. They are offering flights to Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Milan, Paris and Stuttgart.

FlyBe are now offering flights from Dundee to Europe via Birmingham. They are offering flights to Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Milan, Paris and Stuttgart.

I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for the info.

I just checked Flybe's website and the prices can be pretty reasonable. Dundee to Dusseldorf return for little over a hundred quid.

When I consider that I wouldn't have to pay for the train to Edinburgh or Glasgow, then that works out at roughly the same as Ryanair.

I may be making a trip to Germany sometime soon. :cheers:

I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for the info.

I just checked Flybe's website and the prices can be pretty reasonable. Dundee to Dusseldorf return for little over a hundred quid.

When I consider that I wouldn't have to pay for the train to Edinburgh or Glasgow, then that works out at roughly the same as Ryanair.

I may be making a trip to Germany sometime soon. :cheers:

Yea I was looking at FlyBe’s flights from GLA to Europe and they are pretty cheap. I used to fly with them just about every week between Glasgow and Southampton, great wee airline IMO.

As for Ryanair, I noticed they are now charging between £15 and £20 credit card fee for booking, and that’s for any type of credit card. So when you finally get your “total fare” there is still a hidden charge of £20 on top.

Danny, don't worry!!! It is my understanding that the Homebase site development will occur between 2009-11
Mark Wilson (the developer) was quoted in the Courier the other day, he was trying to sound reassuring in the circumstances, but slow progress could easily become no progress unless he pre-sells some more flats …

From Evening Telegraph

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Dundee’s McManus Galleries are on target to re-open towards the end of next year (writes Grant Smith).

City council officials today confirmed the £9 million refurbishment was progressing well as culture minister Linda Fabiani came for a visit.
She said, “I had heard a lot about McManus, but I had never been in it. I was unaware of what a magnificent building it is. It’s very beautiful.”

The transformation of the Albert Square museum began three years ago this month, with extensive work inside and out to bring it up to modern standards — a far from straightforward project, given the building’s age and the need to preserve its historic features.

Internal spaces have been re-arranged and, when it re-opens, the building will have a new southern entrance and reception area.

Behind the scenes, underpinning work is being carried out at a cost of almost £2 million following an appeal to the Scottish Government. And Historic Scotland has given an extra £270,000 due to the complexity of the roof repairs.

Specialists from across the country have been called in to help, with several statues having to be sent to Wigan for treatment.

John Stewart-Young, the council’s arts and heritage manager, said the contractors would hand the building over around Christmas.

“There will still be a lot of work to be done fitting it out,” he explained.

This will include creating new display cases for the hundreds of exhibits and getting everything back in place, including the famous Tay whale.

Councillor Richard McCready, leisure and arts convener, said, “We are happy with the way things are going. This is one of the council’s major projects at the moment and it will be a big day when it re-opens.

“We hope it will be a big success for the city and people will come to see Dundee’s best-loved building.

“But it’s not just about the building. The minister is here also to recognise the national importance of the collection, which shows Dundee’s artistic and cultural heritage.”

Before donning a hard hat for a tour, the culture minister said that venues such as the McManus Galleries were “all part of the identity of Scotland — the roots, where we come from.”

Ms Fabiani later visited Discovery Point and the Verdant jute works museum, both of which are operated by Dundee Heritage Trust.

She said, “DHT is doing fantastic work in ensuring that the city’s history is brought to life for current and future generations.

“RRS Discovery and Verdant Works really deserve the five-star visitor attraction ratings they have achieved.”

Nice one Jeff, will need to have a wee trip up and see it when it reopens :)

PARTNERS and stakeholders with an interest in Dundee Waterfront gathered at City Quay to hear an update on the latest plans for the multi-million pound project.

The meeting, which included representatives of Dundee City Council, developers, contractors, public bodies and local businesses, was told that the next major phase of the work is due to start early in the new year.

Convener of Dundee City Council's economic development committee, Joe Morrow, who hosted the meeting, said: "It is vital that organisations and businesses that have a stake in the massive transformation of the waterfront have a clear understanding of what is going on and what is planned for its immediate future.

"To get to where we want to be there will inevitably be some disruption to the normal patterns of life in that part of Dundee, but hopefully if everyone knows what is going on, how long it is due to take, and most importantly why they are being inconvenienced, then they will be able to join us in keeping their eyes on the ultimate goal - a Dundee city centre connected with the waterfront and boasting some of the most magnificent streetscapes anywhere in northern Europe."

After a welcome and introduction by councillor Morrow, guests were taken through the timetable of works for the next six months, and given an overview of the project by city council staff.

Originally due to be carried out as part of the bridge off ramp realignment, a contract to build a massive storm water tank is the next major piece of work that will take place.

Although a contract specification is yet to be finalised, the tank which will be sited eat of the Hilton Hotel, should be capable of holding hundreds of litres of rainwater run off from the centre of the city.
Cllr Morrow told the meeting: "Without such a huge facility none of the development planned for the transformed waterfront would be sustainable.

"It would all end up swimming in water the first time a high tide coincided with a heavy downpour.

"Although it will be completely hidden underground when it is finished, it is still a part of the jigsaw that is fundamental to the completion of this visionary project."

Guests were also told that the last remnants of the pedestrian bridge which spanned south Marketgait between the railway station and the Nethergate Centre is to be taken down next month.

September is also expected to see the completion of resurfacing works in Gellatly Street, which will leave the road able to cope with the greater volume of traffic expected when the roads network is realigned later in the waterfront scheme.A leading hotel chain is also close to signing a deal to lease a new building to be constructed on land adjacent to the inner ring road to the south of Nethergate, and an announcement could be made before the end of the year.

The 30-year master plan to reconnect Dundee city centre with its waterfront and transform the streetscape was conceived in 1998 and since then Dundee City Council along with its partners, has been putting some of the many millions of pounds in place that is needed to fund the massive changes.

Courtesy of Evening Telegraph

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Dundee might be the cheapest place to study in Scotland, but the ever-increasing expectations of today’s university students are the driving force behind a new 500-bedroom student village in the city (writes April Mitchinson).

Abertay University has announced that it’s £20 million project for high specification accommodation at Parker Street should now be ready for the start of the academic year in autumn 2010.

The flats will have five or seven bedrooms and each will have a common room with satellite TV and a broadband Internet connection for every student.

It is thought first-year students from Dundee and beyond, and with exacting standards, will rent the flats.

“The standard of accommodation expected by students has greatly increased over the years and the trend is for high-standard, hi-spec accommodation, so we constantly need to think about improving,” said a spokesman for Abertay University.

“For example, it is now a requirement for all accommodation to have Internet access — that kind of high-grade housing is what we need to be able to offer new students.”

At present, Abertay University owns 590 places in five different locations around Dundee, ranging from self-contained flats to en-suite study bedrooms.

An average of 1500 new students enrol at the university each year.

“We don’t have accommodation for every student, but that’s OK because Dundee is such a big city and there is a lot of private accommodation on offer,” the spokesman said.

“Our policy on allocating places is that students arriving at Abertay for the first time receive priority.

“Also, more than 50% of our students come from within 50 miles so there are always a lot who stay at home while studying.”

While rental prices for the new complex, which will occupy a site at the Dudhope roundabout/Lochee Road junction, have not yet been set, the spokesman said it would reflect the quality of facilities offered.

He said, “If you look around you’ll see there is a spread of rental levels from basic to quite hi-spec, high-standard accommodation.

“That said however a number of surveys recently have shown Dundee to be one of the cheapest places to live in while studying.”

According to a Royal Bank of Scotland student living index, Dundee is now the third most cost-effective place to study in the UK, after Plymouth and Cambridge.

The study revealed that a student at either Abertay or the University of Dundee would spend an average of £128 per week on living and housing costs and would earn an average of £98 from part-time employment.

In total, students spend £144m on living and accommodation costs in Dundee annually. Rent takes up £60m of this while £12m is spent on groceries, £6m on going out and £4m on mobile phone costs.

Meanwhile, Dundee University says it has no plans to build any more student housing.

Residences officer Margaret Wiley said, “Dundee University, in partnership with The Sanctuary Group, has developed over 1000 bed spaces during the period 2004 to 2007.

“This new accommodation (Belmont, Heathfield, Seabraes and West Park) has replaced older residences, keeping the number of bed spaces around the same at 1800. All are on campus or within walking distance.

“We have no plans to build any further because we did a lot over the last four years and are now at the point we want to be.

“Currently we have about 30 vacancies and are optimistic of accommodating all applicants.”

To my absolute amazement, they actually look alright for student accommodation.

Win!

City Company Builds New Global HQ (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/tayside_and_central/7584699.stm)

Construction about to start on this one that's been planned for a wee while.

From Evening Telegraph

A £3 million Dundee nightclub will create 140 new jobs — including 60 bar staff — when it opens its doors in the city’s South Ward Road next month (writes Bruce Robbins).

Liquid, which will take over the former Mardi Gras premises, will also have 15 security personnel operating constantly to enforce its strict anti-drugs policy.
The Dundee-born general manager of the new venue, John Paul McGivney, said the club is on course for an October opening, and will boast the latest equipment aimed to attract clubbers aged 18 and over.

John Paul, who worked his way up from glass collector with nightclub operators Luminar Leisure to his new role in charge of the company’s latest venture, said recruitment is already under way, with ten people now employed in promotional roles.

He said, “We will be at a jobs fair in the Caird Hall next week, and three or four weeks prior to the opening we’ll start taking on the bulk of the people we need. We aim to provide a very safe environment so there will be a total of 20 security staff, with 15 on at all times.

“People are surprised when they learn how many staff are needed at a nightclub, but it works out at a total of 140 — including my own job — made up of full and part time posts.”

The club has been designed to cater for up to 1300 people, and they will be served by ten bars each with a complement of six bar staff. The rest of the jobs will be made up of managers, DJs, cashiers, cloakroom attendants and cleaners.

The venue will contain two separate dance areas called Liquid and Envy. A feature of the club will be the provision of booths and “pods”, where small parties of people, perhaps on a hen night, can enjoy a bit of privacy.

The main Liquid room will feature current chart hits and R&B music, while Envy will have music “across the ages” for more mature clubgoers.

Workmen are currently engaged in the job of fitting out the high-tech premises, and it’s anticipated the club will be ready for business towards the end of October.

John Paul said that uppermost in his mind was the safety of clubbers, and much of his attention will be focused on the job of ensuring that drugs and excessive drinking are not allowed to spoil the environment for more responsible customers.

He said, “Our policy is zero tolerance towards drugs, and we’ll also be promoting responsible drinking in a variety of ways.

“We’ll be liaising with Tayside Police and are more than happy to implement any prevention measures they’d like to see put in place.”

John Paul started working with Luminar Leisure 11 years ago, and has worked all over Scotland at the company’s venues.

The last five and a half years have been spent in Aberdeen, but he jumped at the chance of returning to Dundee to take over the running of the new club.

He added, “When I was asked what I thought of opening a new club in Dundee, I said it was a great idea. My work has kept me away from Dundee, but the opportunity to move back was very appealing.

“In the time I’ve been away the city has transformed itself, and being general manager of the new club is a challenge I’m really looking forward to.”

No more Mardi Gras! :eek2:
Only made it in that hell-hole once, and it was quite the experience. The bouncers wouldn't let me smoke or drink on the dance floor..

Always good to hear of new investment though, although I'm perplexed as to what the point of a nightclub is, if not as a venue to irresponsibly drink and take drugs??

Gladman Developments has started work on the first phase of a major office development in Dundee, which is expected to help create some 200 new jobs in the city.

The UK’s largest developer of speculative office accommodation is building a of 23,678 sq ft of new office space on a site to be known as Dundee Business Park, on Dunsinane Avenue, to the north of the city centre fronting the A90.

Phase one of the scheme, which will have an end development value of more than £4 million, will consist of a mix of office units of 1,027 sq ft, 2,212 sq ft, and 5,203 sq ft, available for sale or lease, in an area where there is a lack of smaller office accommodation for sale.

The total investment in the site will amount to some £15 million when the entire scheme of 136,000 sq ft is completed.

According to Susan Pegg, development manager based at Gladman Developments’ Scottish office in Livingston, the company’s research has shown that there is a general lack of office units in the city, and especially of units which are available for purchase.

She says: “We believe that there is little competition for our new office development in Dundee, despite the city’s status as Scotland’s fourth largest, with a catchment of more than 300,000 people, and on-going investment and regeneration programmes.

“As a result Dundee Business Park will be a rare opportunity for business owners and investors to acquire smaller office units in the city.

“Situated right on the A90, Dundee Business Park will provide a good base from which occupiers can serve the whole of the east side of Scotland from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, so we expect to be attracting enquiries from footloose organisations, as well as from local Dundee companies looking for expansion space.”

The first new units are expected to be available for occupation in Spring 2009. Joint agents are Graham and Sibbald’s Dundee office (tel. 01382 200064) and Knight Frank’s Glasgow office (tel. 0141 221 9191).

Unlike many other developers, Gladman Developments has started construction on site without having first secured occupiers.

Mrs Pegg says: “We build speculatively, as we know that this is the best way to attract new companies to our offices and new employers to an area. In today’s fast moving business environment, larger companies cannot wait for buildings to be specially built for them and smaller companies will go to where accommodation is ready for them to move into. Our product has been tailored to meet the demands of modern business.”

Typical Gladman occupiers come from the government and other public sector organisations, as well as fast growing software, technology and service sectors of the economy.

Scotland represents one of Gladman’s major growth areas within the UK market, and the company is looking to acquire further sites for new office developments throughout the country, in towns with a population of more than 15,000.

The developer is already on site in Aberdeen, where it is building 80,000 sq ft of offices; in Berwick where it is building 27,000 sq ft of offices and 12,000 sq ft of small industrial units and in Livingston, where it is underway with 77,500 sq ft of industrial accommodation and 21,360 sq ft of offices. It also has planning permission for 95,000 sq ft of office accommodation in Dunblane and owns sites for office developments in Cumbernauld and Hillington. The company is also keen to acquire land for industrial developments and for student and retirement accommodation.

Headquartered in Cheshire, the company invests more than £100 million per year building new offices and presently has more than 1 million sq ft under construction.

Source: Gladman Developments
www.gladman.co.uk


This link has a more detailed overview of the entire development. I wasn't aware of this development at all.
http://www.gladman.co.uk/pdf/offices/Dundee.pdf

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Work continues on the new Alliance Trust building in Dundee’s West Marketgait.

Amid the gloom in the financial markets, the credit crunch and the troubles at HBOS, there was some good news to emerge in Dundee today.

Leading financial services company Alliance Trust confirmed it is moving forward on schedule with the creation of a multi-million pound headquarters in the heart of the city.

The showpiece building, currently under construction on West Marketgait, is due to open its doors early next year in a positive development for the city’s financial sector.

A spokesperson for the Alliance Trust confirmed today, “The plans remain the same. We are building the headquarters and that is going to time and budget. We expect it to be ready by spring 2009.”

Alliance Trust is building its new headquarters across 50,000 square feet and six floors on the site of the former Burns and Harris printworks.

The spokesperson said, “Despite the recent incredible amounts of rainfall, good progress has been maintained on site.

“Work on the raised access floors and suspended ceiling installations has recently begun. The building should be wind and water tight with power available in the very near future.”

The £12.5 million facility will bring together under one roof, more than 300 staff from Alliance Trust’s three existing sites in the city.

The company currently leases two additional office buildings because its workforce has outgrown its headquarters in Reform Street.

It has said the development will allow it to “go on attracting the highest quality professionals and add value to the city's economy.”

Alliance Trust was awarded a £1.95m grant in relation to the development, contingent on the completion of the new HQ and the creation of 160 new jobs in Dundee.

The FTSE-100 company has been investing since 1888 and is the largest generalist UK investment trust by assets listed on the London Stock Exchange.

It was reported late last year large-scale reform of the Alliance Trust had turned it from a “slumbering giant” into a modern financial services company.

DUNDONIANS ARE being invited to take a virtual walk through Dundee’s proposed new waterfront project this weekend.

A computer-generated impression of what it will be like in the new development is to be shown to the public for the first time with a four-minute animation to be screened six times tomorrow and again on Sunday at DCA as part of the annual Doors Open Day festival.

Produced by architects RMJM, the work was commissioned by Dundee City Council and its partners in the waterfront project.

The animation will be screened in DCA’s cinema one tomorrow and Sunday from 12.30 pm, with the last showing on Saturday at 5.50pm and at 5.40pm on Sunday.

For more information visit the website www.dundeewaterfront.com. & http://www.dca.org.uk/whats-on/talks-and-events/doors-open-days-dundee-waterfront-animation.html

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THE FINAL part of the pedestrian link between Dundee Railway Station and the city centre is to be removed this weekend.

A heavy duty crane stationed at the taxi rank will lift the bridge section by section, before it is cut up into pieces and taken away by road for disposal.

As a result of preparation work the taxi rank has been moved temporarily to the south of the railway station next to Riverside Drive.

The 30-year master plan to reconnect Dundee city centre with its waterfront and transform the streetscape was conceived in 1998 and since then Dundee City Council along with its partners, has been putting some of the many millions of pounds in place that is needed to fund the massive programme of change.

Earlier this month the resurfacing of Gellatly Street was completed in advance of road changes that will see the route used by greater volumes of traffic.

Originally due to be carried out as part of the Tay Road Bridge off ramp realignment, a contract to build a massive storm water tank is the next major piece of work scheduled for the Waterfront.

It is expected to be sited east of the Hilton Hotel, and should be capable of holding hundreds of litres of rainwater run off from the Waterfront area.

The first phase of work on the Central Waterfront project re-aligned South and West Marketgait in 2005, and the pedestrian bridge that ran from the station to the Nethergate Centre was removed as part of the scheme.

It was replaced by a pedestrian crossing at road level that is now located at the south end of Union Street.

Additional permission to remove the remaining part of the footbridge was needed from the rail companies, and with that approval now in place work will start on Saturday (September 27).

After the bridge is removed some reinstatement work will be needed and the taxi rank will not return to its normal location until Saturday October 4.

A website detailing the extensive changes needed to make the waterfront vision a reality, as well as showing drawings, pictures and artists' impressions of the waterfront master plan is at www.dundeewaterfront.com

Hello Jeff

I have stumbled on this site, looking for some information on Dundee, maybe you could help.

I am from Glasgow and recently stayed in Dundee overnight. My friend and I didn't spend a lot of time there, but we liked what we saw and would love to come back.

This is the bit that will make you think I am a bit bonkers. :nuts:

My friend and I both had a bizarre experience in the hotel we stayed in. Basically we felt that the room was haunted - we saw things moving in the mirrors, one light had a mind of it's own and went on and off, and to top it all off, someone woke me up at 6.00 am by tapping me on the arm (and it wasn't my friend - she was still asleep!)

We are both sensible mum types, but we were utterly convinced that this was some kind of haunting and felt it was child like (the tap on the arm, and the height of what we saw in the mirror).

Anyhow, I asked at the hotel had anything like that been reported before (I know, it seems mad). I was told no, that nothing like that had ever been mentioned by any other residents and that anyway the building was pretty much brand new and couldn't be haunted. We didn't think agree though - the ceiling was lower than the window for a start (it was raised nearer the window to accomodate it).

So I have been trying to find out a bit about the area, trying to find out if the building is an old one converted.

Could you tell me if you know anything about this? The hotel was a Travelodge (Central) in West Marketgait. Any info would be great.

Ps. I'm not bonkers, honest.

The Travelodge on West Marketgait has only been open for a few years, but the building itself is much older. It was originally a jute mill and more recently it has been used by the school of social and health sciences of Abertay University.

Hi Hedders, Like Souldee says the building was recently converted into a hotel and was previously in the ownership of Abertay University and before that would have been used as a jute mill. I do remember a Kwik Fit garage being there in the 1990s but that would be at the ground level and I believe the hotel rooms are upstairs. Don't really know much about the building to be honest. There used to be a nightclub next door called Baracuda's then the Cocunut Grove this burned down in the 1990's and a casino and leisure development is being built on that site at present. Glad you had a good time and I can only recomend you stay in a different hotel next time!

The last part of that pedestrian link coming down marks a real end of an era for Dundee - it's a sign of great progress, but a twisted part of me will be sad to see it go!

Still, it's great to see the work continue to march on - progress is slow, but at least it's pretty consistent!