Optimistic about new Waterfront

HEADING on foot towards the railway station at teatime on a sunny day this week, I stopped to look around at the V&A, the Malmaison, the almost-complete new station and the framework of the big office block.

For the first time I got a real sense of what this area could be like once everything’s completed.

Originally I was against the blocks being built round Slessor Gardens, thinking they’d spoil the view, but now I’m of the opposite opinion.

A view of an empty, lifeless grassy patch with the V&A sitting on its own at the far side of it doesn’t do much good, but there should be a real bustle and vibrancy once the offices, shops, restaurants and hotels are open for business, giving folk plenty of reasons to spend time in the area.

Adding in the choice of eating places and bars in Union, Whitehall and Reform streets, it could also mean more people venturing into the city centre of an evening.

True, it was a gloriously sunny day (and we don’t get enough of them!) when I had this optimistic feeling, but I really believe the area is coming together in the right way.

Here’s hoping.