City chief sets sail

Regeneration boss who led Waterfront project to retire

Mike Galloway, Dundee City Council’s executive director of city development, has told the authority of his intention to retire.

It is thought he will depart before the end of the financial year next March, having guided the Waterfront project towards the completion of two major milestones: a new rail station entrance, and the V&A Dundee.

Mr Galloway has led the regeneration efforts in Dundee since 1997 when the project first began.

Since then, he has developed the area’s masterplan and pushed for new investment coming into the city.

As such, he leaves a diverse legacy in his wake after 21 years: the demolition of Tayside House, the relocation of the Olympia, realigned Tay Road Bridge ramps, the Waterfront plots and, of course, the V&A Dundee.

Mr Galloway was born in Aberfeldy and raised i n Glasgow, but later attended Perth Academy before earning a degree at Dundee University.

He left the city after graduating, working for almost two decades as a city planner before returning to Dundee to work on the Waterfront project.

Mr Galloway has declined the Tele’s request for an interview at this time.

However, a number of his council colleagues paid tribute to the sizeable portfolio of work he leaves in his wake.

Councillor Will Dawson, planning committee convener, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Mike during my time as city development convener and even now as planning convener.

‘‘It is really clear to see that his first priority during his time as director has been the city.

‘‘It is fair to say that he has left a firm foundation for whoever will become his successor.

‘‘They, too, will have to be bold and ambitious for our city.’’

City development convener Lynne Short added: ‘‘Mike Galloway has been instrumental in the changes that we see around the city, but will I am sure be most remembered for the regeneration of the Waterfront.

‘‘It is very fitting that his retirement will coincide with one of the most talked about buildings of this generation opening in the form of the V&A Dundee.’’

Council leader John Alexander said: “Mike will leave a very positive legacy, one which has helped the city to realise international recognition and grow its reputation significantly.

‘‘The city owes Mike a great gratitude.” Ourvoice

THE council boss who has overseen much of Dundee’s Waterfront regeneration is set to retire in the coming months.

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Mike Galloway will be retiring after 21 years of diverse work at Dundee City Council, including the transformation of the city’s Waterfront.