‘Waterfront site designed to help the city prosper’

THE city’s site six development can help deliver on decades of economic planning and lead a new wave of international investment, according to Dundee’s council leader.

John Alexander has defended the project, which will include a 150-bedroom Marriott hotel, after a local MSP joined those criticising how it blocks views of the new V&A museum.

Renewed objections have surfaced in recent weeks, with the scale of the development becoming more apparent from eye level.

Dundee-based MSP Jenny Marra called on the authority to explain why such a large structure, which will also include office, residential and retail space, had been approved so close to the new museum. She said: “Why are we putting up a building in front of the V&A? Is the idea not to open up the Waterfront?”

However, Mr Alexander stressed that the proposals were backed by all 29 members of the local authority, including opposition parties. He said: “The council and its partners have been absolutely clear that the Waterfront was created not only as a place for fun and creativity, but more importantly as a place where we could generate jobs and income for the people of Dundee and bring in further investment. That plan is working and bearing fruit.

“There is little economic sense in leaving site six and site five empty and this would not deliver the positive outcomes we want for Dundonians or the city.”

The surrounding development has also received the backing of V&A architect Kengo Kuma,who described it as an “appropriate backdrop” to the building he designed. However, more than 2,000 people have signed a petition claiming the project will block views of the Tay, overshadow the museum and “ruin the whole feel” of the Waterfront.

Mr Alexander said: “The city needs, and I emphasise the word needs, new employment and investment. The Waterfront is delivering that. It’s an economic generator.

“This is part of a longer term, sustainable, economically more prosperous and exciting future for the city.”