I seem to have started something last week when I raised the question of the Wellgate and its future.
It’s fair to say the feedback was huge. And interesting.
I gained a lot of insight into how other Dundonians think we can bring the much-loved venue into the 21st century.
And, shortly after last week’s column was published, I was pointed to Dundee City Council’s plan for the redevelopment of the city centre.
Interestingly, the Wellgate is at the centre of one of the proposals, with plans ranging from redeveloping it to demolishing it.
Lots of people seemed to have favourable thoughts about renovating the centre.
It shows a lot of Dundonians still have a fondness for the Wellgate, and would like to see it stay.
Wellgate centre – should it stay or should it go?
I particularly like the idea of turning Wellgate into an ‘entertainment hub’. Suggested uses include a gaming venue, or a variety of shops and restaurants with a cinema, similar to the proposals that have been raised previously.
Others support the idea of demolition of the Wellgate, not necessarily because they dislike it. Some believe it is simply past its sell-by date and no longer able to attract sufficient visitors or a variety of shops.
I understand the reasoning.
Demolition would open up accessibility to the Hilltown area. It would clear space for new housing in the city centre. And it could be good for the environment as well – especially if the area is pedestrianised and made much more open to everyone.
Another suggestion is to turn the Wellgate into a premium outlet – with open plan shops around a centralised pedestrianised area. I’m sure a lot of store owners would find this idea more appealing than what’s there at present.
Time is ticking – on Wellgate clock and the venue’s future
There was one thing that nearly everybody agreed on though.
And that is, that in the event of the Wellgate centre being demolished, the Wellgate Clock should be preserved and kept on display.
The McManus Galleries are being suggested as a potential venue.
Perhaps the Wellgate Clock could be shown alongside the old Robertson’s sign and gate, since we also heard last week that the McManus is in talks to preserve them following the former furniture store’s devastating fire.
The clock holds priceless memories for so many Dundonians, even those who no longer visit the centre.
The new owners have been unable to move in due to a delay in paperwork being signed off by the local authority. https://t.co/yWKh16Czjb
— Evening Telegraph (@Evening_Tele) November 21, 2022
If the last week has taught me anything it’s that people still care deeply about this part of the city centre and its future is exciting – no matter what direction we take.
So if the centre stays, great. And if it goes, the Wellgate will live on in a new form with near limitless possibilities.
I just hope Dundee City Council and Belgate Estates, the centre’s owner, come together to decide its fate soon because there are lots of people out there who want to see it change for the better.
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