‘Derious concerns’ over cinema plan

DUNDEE Civic Trust has voiced “serious concerns” about the cinema complex that has been proposed for a barren city centre brownfield site.

The trust, which aims to preserve the city’s architectural heritage, said the proposed £24 million multiplex and hotel plan at Greenmarket should not go ahead in its current form.

It believes bringing a large cinema into the city would have a detrimental impact on the nearby DCA.

A statement from the trust read: “Whilst (we are) in favour of the development of this site, the trust considers that the multi-screen cinema complex should not form part of the mix of uses proposed for it.

“It is likely to damage the viability of Dundee Contemporary Arts by greatly reducing, if not removing completely, the financial input made by the cinema operation to DCA.

“This is an important matter. The DCA is an important part of the social and creative infrastructure of Dundee and its establishment was a crucial factor in changing perceptions of the city.”

Dundee currently has two multiplex cinemas on the outskirts of town – Cineworld at Camperdown Leisure Park and the Odeon at Kingsway East Leisure Park.

The trust believes that the city’s need for cinema screens is sated, as it currently has a total of 21 – twice the number of screens per head as Edinburgh.

Figures at the trust also have “significant reservations” about the height of adjacent residential apartments that also form part of the development – extending back as far as Dundee Science Centre.

They have urged Crucible Alba Group (CAG), the firm behind the plans, to consult with the DCA while the project is still in its infancy.

The trust concluded: “This does not seem too much to ask when their current proposals could damage a unique and vital part of Dundee’s cultural infrastructure that has been created by the teamwork of the city council, the University of Dundee and Scottish Enterprise.”

CAG unveiled its plans Greenmarket site in March.

The firm said its proposal would “put the final piece in the jigsaw” between the city centre and the Waterfront. for the

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