LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The same old mistakes are being repeated

Sir, – Dundee missed a huge opportunity to build an expansive water park and swimming centre when the V&A museum was first mooted.

The rebuilt Olympia building, far too small for purpose, was crammed in behind a hideous car park in an inaccessible area of central Dundee.

Several years later we see that the same mistakes have been repeated.

There is a case to be made, depending on taste, that the new V&A structure externally is a grand design.

Inside, though, is a dreadful mishmash of ill-conceived planning and execution.

Outside the building is buttressed up against the good ship Discovery so the impact of both showpiece attractions is diminished.

The hotel and office building opposite should have statues of the planners who approved it on display.

Their heads in a mock up of a pillory might be deemed appropriate.

Once inside the museum visitors are confronted by steeply angled, unenhanced, wood panelling which is haphazardly arranged and totally impractical as an area for either seating or additional display.

As many have already stated, the design of the café and shop are so bad that in reality they are truly embarrassing.

Both the Olympia swimming complex and this new museum could have been major attractions for the whole of Scotland, and beyond.

Sadly it seems nobody had the requisite clarity of purpose and boldness in their vision to make that happen.

Picture: Kris Miller. City planners have missed out on various opportunities along the waterfront, says one correspondent.