An online petition has been set up calling for the abandonment of the plan to move the V&A at Dundee inland.
The campaign wants planners to desert the site shift, claiming it would allow mediocrity to prevail in the city’s new waterfront.
But Design Dundee Ltd, the group charged with delivering the iconic museum, is adamant that the new proposal is ”in no way a compromise.”
Chair Lesley Knox hit back, saying the new proposal offers an exciting alternative.
”The integrity of Kengo Kuma’s design is preserved in its entirety,” she said.
The plan would ground Mr Kuma’s design on the western half of the site currently occupied by the Olympia with only the ”prow” jutting out over the water, to ensure the building is delivered on budget and on time.
But the petition is calling for the proposal to be ignored and the original plan restored.
It says the move will ”destroy the bold, dynamic and confident presence in the River Tay that the building should have and the reason why so many people voted it the best design in the shortlist.”
It adds: ”The people of Dundee were involved in the decision and this design was the choice for the majority who voted in this process.
”While it is understood that there are major economic concerns involved in undertaking such a large project, this short-term gain and long-term loss strategy has haunted the city for far too long.
”Mediocrity (at best) has been allowed to prevail in the architecture built by the city ‘fathers,’ and time and time again Dundee and its people have been sold short.”
The petition has already attracted more than 70 signatures, with many people urging Dundee City Council to deliver what was outlined in the original plans.
Signatory Carolyn Nicoll said: ”Build the V&A at Dundee on the River Tay and not inland and put Dundee firmly on the art and culture map.”
Ed Broughton added: ”Don’t sell yourself short Dundee. The V&A needs to be an iconic landmark forever, and moving it inland won’t achieve this.”
Fiona McClymont added: ”The irony of diminishing the design of the V&A Dundee a building with the function of showcasing design will make Dundee a laughing stock.”
Lesley Knox said: ”V&A at Dundee will still be the bold, iconic building originally intended.”
She also said the new site would offer a ”stronger relationship” between the museum and its surroundings.
”The visibility from and the connection to the city are also likely to be strengthened as is the goal of reconnecting the city with its waterfront,” she said.
”Let’s not forget that V&A at Dundee is not just about the building it is equally about the associated economic benefits to the city of housing a world-class cultural destination.
”This new proposal, which offers greater certainty around budget and build schedule, allows these benefits to be fully realised.
”We appreciate the level of interest that the proposal has provoked. That people care this passionately is hugely important to us and reinforces the exciting nature of the project.
“We will ensure all comments are fully considered over the coming weeks.”