Work begins on pocket gardens

WATERFRONT: Three plots being created at Dundee’s Slessor Gardens

Work has begun to complete “pocket gardens” at Slessor Gardens as landscaping work progresses around the Dundee waterfront.

Three plots at the south-east corner of the open-air space are being dug up to complete the squared garden areas.

The west side of Slessor Gardens was completed several years ago, but the south-east corner was not.

The gardens are expected to be similar to the ones already in place elsewhere on the periphery of the popular meeting spot and outdoor venue.

Councillors approved the final three pocket gardens last December along with plans for an urban beach next to the V&A.

The construction work for the urban beach began before lockdown but it is now more visible to the public as boarding has been taken down.

While the construction work appears to be very much in the early stages, the steel framework of what will be a “travel hub” at the site is now in place.

Designed to resemble a smaller version of the V&A, the hub will be an information spot and rest area for cyclists.

Bill Newcombe, City Centre and Harbour Community Council chairman, has proposed extending the grassy area of Slessor Gardens even further east.

He said: “It is going to take a long time for any building to be done there because of everything that is going on, so we thought it would be good to extend the Slessor Gardens area.

“The demand will be there for more open spaces but I don’t think the council has been too positive about our idea.”

A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “Works are ongoing to develop pocket gardens with the three grass areas on the south-east corner of Slessor Gardens.

“This work is being undertaken as part of the ongoing Waterfront Place construction works.”

Pictures: Steve Brown. Progress being made on the urban beach, top, and at Slessor Gardens, above.