Sceptics of V&A’

Talk to focus on role new museum will play in city

But with some still questioning the viability and value for money of the £80 million V&A museum, efforts are under way to convert the critics.

A new talk — organised by those with an interest in preserving the city’s past — will aim to make locals look at the future with greater anticipation.

Friends of Dundee City Archives will be holding a discussion on the new museum, due to open next year, and the impact it’s expected to have on the city.

It’s the first time the group’s lunchtime talks will focus on the museum — the first in Scotland to be dedicated to design.

Julie Muir, the V&A’s young people and families producer, knows that the attraction has divided some local opinion.

And that’s something she won’t shy away from when she gives a presentation at Glastie Hall, St Andrew’s Church, on Thursday.

Julie says the talk will focus on the building’s story so far and give people a taste of what they can get involved with — showing ways in which they can make use of the building.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to maybe persuade people about the benefits it will bring,” she said.

“When we give these presentations it does end up changing people’s minds and opening up something that they did not know was going to be there.

“They can then come and try it and make up their own mind.”

Although Dundee’s £1 billion regeneration has undoubtedly brought benefits to the city — such as a new railway station and the new Olympia swimming pool, along with a predicted jobs boom — some people remain to be convinced that it’s the best way of spending huge sums of cash which could be ploughed into helping impoverished communities.

Julie said it was important that the city learned to “shout about” what it has to offer in an effort to get people on board.

Meanwhile, the talk will also aim to engage a new generation in the attraction.

“I work a lot with young people and I’ll be explaining in a different way how they can get involved and interact with the building,” said Julie.

“I deal with learning predominantly and what I’ll be talking about is how the interaction runs from baby to business.

“Each audience will have their own opinions and focus on what they’re interested in discussing so it’ll be a case of waiting to see what route they go down.

“There will be more talks down the line and we’ll be aiming a lot at young people.

“We’re currently recruiting for our young people’s collective so they will definitely be the driving force behind the museum.”

City archivist Martin Allan, who is organising the talk, said: “This will be the first time that we’ve had a talk specifically relating to the V&A and the Waterfront.

“These talks are free and open to members of the public.

“We do try to tie in our talks with topics specifically relating to Dundee and this is certainly timely.”

The V&A is in its final stages of construction, with the finishing touches being put to its outer walls, ahead of a planned opening next year — although no specific opening date has yet been confirmed by bosses.

Thursday’s talk will be held at 1pm.

IT’S t he jewel in the Waterfront’s crown and could help to transform Dundee’s fortunes.