Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
City beachfront plans are given the go-ahead
PLANS for a beach development next to the V&A museum have been given the green light.
City council bosses have approved an application for Waterfront Place, which will be located on the banks of the River Tay at the bottom of Slessor Gardens.
The designs were first revealed as part of an economic plan last year, with the beach created to compliment the £80 million V&A Museum of Design.
The urban beach is one of the final elements of the council’s masterplan for the Waterfront, which would include a cafe as part of a man-made sand area, as well as pine trees.
Councillor Will Dawson, convener of Dundee City Council’s planning committee, said: “I’m delighted that we have taken another step forward in our Waterfront journey by granting planning permission for this imaginative and ambitious development.
“This exciting project will see an urban beach, cafe and boardwalk created beside the River Tay.
“This will give locals and visitors new ways to enjoy the Waterfront and will be an impressive addition to the area near the V&A Dundee and Slessor Gardens.”
An amphitheatre has also been proposed as part of the plans, which would allow people to play in an open performance space.
Routes through the area would also allow pedestrian access and cater for people using the National Cycle Network and Dundee’s Green Circular cycleway.
The site is currently being used as a construction assembly area and is expected to be developed following completion of the V&A.
AC Marriott Hotel will take up the prime site across from the museum as part of a mixed-use development. Work on the urban beach is due to start later this year. City development convener Councillor Lynne Short said: “This is great news for the city. A lot of hard work has gone into creating a space for people to enjoy. “The routes through the site will allow for pedestrian access and also cater for cyclists using the National Cycle Network and Dundee’s Green Circular cycleway. “I am really pleased that it reflects the sustainable and green thinking we have been promoting around the city.” Will Dawson