Hopes ‘city takes V&A to its heart’

DUNDEE’S convener of city development believes the opening of the city’s V&A Museum will help deliver a “brighter future” for Taysiders.

Councillor Lynne Short said the £80 million facility would undoubtedly attract tourists from around the world, but added that she hopes Dundonians themselves will take the V&A to their hearts.

She said her confidence had been boosted by the example of the Spanish city of Bilbao and the success it had enjoyed since the opening of its Guggenheim Museum.

Ms Short said: “I’ve no qualms whatsoever that V&A Dundee will be successful. I don’t see it as a pressure whatsoever.

“People such as Philip Long (V&A Dundee’s director) will make the V&A a success, as will V&A London.

“Bilbao was in a similar situation to ourselves. It is a waterfront, industrial city and today it has the Guggenheim, which has changed the way it is seen internationally.

“It’s that sort of thing I see happening here. It’s a really interesting time.”

The city centre councillor said increasing recognition from foreign media on the work being done in Dundee demonstrated the “unbelievable” progress being made in the city — and urged locals to take heart.

She said: “If you look at the Wall Street Journal and all these publications saying Dundee is amazing, it’s like a pat on the back.

“The more you hear it, the more you will believe in yourself.

“To be on these sort of lists is unbelievable — it shows you how far we have come.

“What’s important for me is that the city takes the V&A to its heart.

“I think young people will show that this can be successful and there is a brighter future for Dundee.”

Dundee’s V&A — the first design museum to be built in the UK outside London — is to open next year.

Philip Long confirmed recently that the development was “on schedule and on budget”.

The museum is currently advertising for a chief operating officer to oversee the launch and help establish the venue.

COuNCILLOR LyNNE SHORt