Dundee City Council has outlined its ambitious vision for what the centre could look like in 30 years.
A number of concept design images – created to encourage debate – show drastic changes such as potentially flattening the Wellgate and Keiller centres as well as further pedestrianisation.
It also wants to create a clearer gateway between the centre and the proposed Eden Project to the east.
Council leader John Alexander says the reinvention of the city centre over the next few decades is “unlikely to be led by retail” amid a swathe of shop closures.
He sees easy pedestrian and cycle access as crucial as well as ensuring clean modern public transport.
Here we take a look at the key areas earmarked for development in the council’s 30-year plan Dundee 2050: Our Vision for the Future.
1. East Port ‘gateway’
The East Port takes in the area around Dundee bus station on the Seagate down to Dock Street and the East Marketgait ring road next to the Olympia.
The council believes this area should be opened up to create a “gateway” between the centre and the site of the proposed Eden Project, due to open in 2026 at the former gasworks site.
The design images show a widened walkway and segregated cycle path running where the busy East Port roundabout currently sits.
The Eden Project would be Scotland’s answer to the world renowned experimental garden by the same name in Cornwall which attracts around 360,000 people a year.
A revamp would also forge better links with the expanding City Quay area, where 100 more flats are currently being built.
2. Wellgate Centre demolition or revamp
The Wellgate is positioned prominently at the east end of the Murraygate but like many older shopping centres has struggled in recent years.
The council says it is open to a complete demolition of the building or a major revamp if the new owner also sees this as a viable route.
The area around the centre could also be pedestrianised once again and forge better links with the Hilltown.
If the area was redeveloped, it could “incorporate and celebrate” St Andrew’s Church, and introduce a new mixed-use and residential quarter.
3. ‘Covent Garden’ at Keiller Centre
The Keiller Centre is located between The McManus museum and the High Street but has also struggled to attract footfall for some time.
The majority of its units are now empty.
It could also be knocked down if the current owners decide to go down that route, the council says.
City development chiefs think the courtyard area could be Dundee’s answer to Covent Garden — the hugely popular shopping and entertainment hub in London’s West End.
The report states: “Through strategic greening and new-build development, the courtyard space could be reshaped into an intimate collection of outdoor spaces,
animated by a blend of cultural, performance, work, and food and drink
uses.
“This could be a truly one-off area – the Dundee equivalent of Covent Garden – which would provide a much-needed boost to the evening economy.”
4. Bell Street active travel hub
As previously reported, Bell Street multi-storey car park could be transformed into a £15 million active travel hub.
The car park, which is rarely busy, would cycle storage, e-bike hire, a solar and battery storage system for charging for 300 electric cars, and improved cycling and walking routes nearby.
The council hopes to land the cash required through the UK Government’s Levelling Up fund.
5. Westport reinvention
The Westport could be reinvented to create a better western entry to the city centre.
There is currently a busy traffic barrier in the shape of the Westmarketgait and the Westport Roundabout that means the route is not pedestrian or cycle friendly.
The council believes it could turn the roundabout into a pedestrian and cycle friendly junction which could “free up” more valuable development land, public space and green infrastructure.
A new pedestrian connection could be created at the side of council HQ Dundee House which would link up with a clear route to the rear of the Overgate Shopping Centre.
What else does the council want to achieve in the centre?
- Build more homes to double the resident population in the centre, including potentially 1,000 homes at Waterfront sites
- Build Dundee’s night-time economy to drive more people into the centre. Programmes and promotional initiatives would be developed to increase footfall after 5pm
- Put on more events throughout the year
- Double the number of visitors and visitor spend in the next 10 years
- Make public spaces and streets vibrant, attractive and accessible
- Develop a thriving cluster of knowledge economy businesses, including further building on Abertay University’s ambitions to transform its campus and build on its cyberQuarter
- Safeguard city centre jobs
- Open more healthcare services
- Encourage car parking opportunities on the periphery of the city centre and accelerate the shift to electric vehicles to ensure the success of the Low Emission Zone
How can I contribute to the plan?
A public consultation is open until December 13.
To get involved, fill in the survey online.
For more information on the plans, visit the council’s portal.
Conversation