Dundee Civic Trust has pinpointed a lack of public dialogue as one of many aspects of the Dundee waterfront proposals that need to be done better.
Jack Searle, director of planning of the former Tayside Regional Council, made the comment in the latest edition of the trust’s journal, but he hailed the progress that has been made.
The £1 billion transformation of the waterfront, crowned by the £45 million V&A, has been billed as a major public and private sector investment project that will rejuvenate the city’s economy.
The re-siting of the V&A to a largely onshore site has prompted some criticism after the original river pier setting was presented as a necessity to capitalise on the status of the museum.
The decision was, however, defended as a step to ensure the museum will be built on time and on budget.
Reflecting on the waterfront that existed in 2001, Mr Searle said there were reasons for congratulating rather than criticising those involved in the development of the area.
“When the V&A was first proposed the trust’s view was that it should be in the river, and that it should be located at the end of the central space at the heart of the area,” he stated.
“We remain of that view but we are also of the opinion that to have a new V&A located anywhere in the central waterfront is a major plus point for Dundee and a credit to those who worked to get it there.
“The lack of any commitment to hold an ongoing dialogue with the public is possibly the worst performing area, preferring never to acknowledge shortcomings when what has been achieved is the best of the possible outcomes.”
Mr Searle said with Aberdeen floundering with its inability to see a way forward for the Union Terrace Gardens project, Edinburgh’s “chaotic and unnecessary” trams scheme and even Perth “with its interminable City Hall saga”, Dundee may well be seen as getting on rather well with its efforts to redevelop the waterfront area.
He concluded: “It is disappointing that the V&A has been brought ashore, but it is worthy of note that Dundee has landed such a big fish in the first place.”
Dundee City Council director of city development Mike Galloway said: “We are grateful for Mr Searle’s support for the progress being made in implementing the Dundee waterfront and always value public input into the planning of such a major regeneration project.”
The waterfront is being overseen by a board comprising four representatives from Dundee City Council and three from Scottish Enterprise.