Dundee City Square could be transformed into a continental plaza with throngs of people relaxing in open-air cafes.
Supporters of the plan say what works for such places as Barcelona, Paris, Brussels, Venice and even St John’s Square in Perth could work just as well for Dundee especially on days like yesterday when the city was basking in warm spring sunshine.
To turn the vision into a reality, the city council is looking at converting a second property in City Square into a restaurant with the potential for an open-air terrace to bring more life to the prominent but under-used location.
”Quality operators” are being invited to develop the Box Office premises at 6 City Square into a new restaurant on a leasehold basis. It would be next door to the Twin City Cafe and the aim is that they would create a continental-type atmosphere typical of many cities around Europe.
A council spokesman said they were trying to gauge the level of interest in the idea at this stage, and they invited restaurateurs to come forward by April 6.
The potential to make City Square more than mainly the venue for municipal buildings has long been recognised, but there has never been more than one cafe or restaurant on the site.
The often harsh Scottish climate has been one reason for the potential not being fulfilled, but developments elsewhere have made council planning officials think there may be a way forward.
In other cities with a similar climate, plazas are flourishing and the best local example is just 20 miles west. St John’s Square in Perth has attracted many eateries and they are relishing the prospect of the City Hall’s demolition which would help to create their own vibrant and colourful city square.
There are also ways to combat the sometimes cold temperature in Munich open-air diners are warmed by outdoor heaters and blankets.
Derek Little, chairman of DD One, the forum for city centre businesses, said making Dundee City Square more of a continental plaza was ”a wonderful idea” which he personally supported.
”This has not been discussed within the organisation but my own view is that the City Square is already an impressive focal point with it being dominated by the Caird Hall,” he said. ”Once Tayside House behind it comes down, the gazebo entrance to the underground car park is removed and improved lighting is installed, it will become even more of an asset.
”I think trying to attract another restaurant to give the square more of a continental ambience is a wonderful idea, so long as it is done in the correct manner and the two restaurants are not frightened to be in a bit of competition with each other.”
The Twin City Cafe, a popular meeting place which promotes Dundee’s links with its twin towns across the globe, shut its doors in November but negotiations are under way to find a new tenant and hopes are high that the premises will soon reopen.