Nearly 3,000 people have signed a petition opposing the creation of a new multiplex cinema on Dundee Waterfront, despite claims from business leaders it could be crucial to the city’s economy.
Developers Crucible Alba Group want to build the cinema plus restaurants, cafes, a hotel and residential accommodation on land at Greenmarket behind Groucho’s Music Store, just yards from Dundee Contemporary Arts.
The DCA has said it has “concerns” about the plans while Creative Dundee warned it could stop the arts centre screening some releases.
Now a new online petition opposing the plans has received more than 2,500 signatures since it was set up on Friday.
Pol Clementsmith, who started the petition, said: “I know there’s a body of people who want it but the concern that I have is that the space becomes another concrete box with a car park attached and yet another hotel.
“DCA also shows mainstream films and I think about a third of its income comes from the cinema, which then goes to fund other things and movies we might otherwise not get to see.
“It could potentially put jobs at risk.”
He added: “I understand the city centre has to pay for itself and has to be a commercial environment but there are other sites, like the King’s Theatre at the Wellgate that are empty.”
Mr Clementsmith added DCA’s cinema may struggle to compete with a larger chain next door.
But business leaders say the development could be crucial to the success of the Waterfront economy as it would bring thousands more people down to the area each week.
Tim Allan, president of Scottish Chambers of Commerce and founder of the Unicorn Property group said: “I welcome this development 100%.
“That space has been vacant for some time and has been looking for a positive use.
“Commercial property is a very big challenge and I commend the developer and I commend the plan.
“I don’t see it as detrimental to the DCA.
“People who want to go and see Thor: Ragnarok or Avengers: Infinity War are not going to go to the DCA, which thrives showing offbeat, left-field films with a limited released.
“They will be complementary.”
Mr Allan added the proposed cinema development would provide a major fillip for the local economy.
He said: “I don’t see it as doing anything more than stimulating the economy of the Waterfront.
“It’s a brave move. The city needs a town centre cinema. We have one at the DCA that serves one sector, this will serve another.”
A public consultation on the cinema plans will take place on Tuesday at the Malmaison between 3 and 7pm.
